Nxumalo, Phumzile Mavies2011-04-192011-04-192011-04-19http://hdl.handle.net/10539/9536MM - P&DMThe Employee Health and Wellness programme was adopted by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) in all Government Departments in South Africa with the intention of helping employees dealing with personal as well as workplace problems so as to improve productivity. The purpose of the study is to investigate the reasons for absenteeism despite having the free programme in the workplace. The research methodology used is qualitative which is exploratory and descriptive. The findings from the research were problems ranging from financial, substance abuse, stress and that employees are aware. It was concluded that the programme has its weak points and recommendations made so that it can be improved. It has been recommended that the programme marketing be intensified, more resources be allocated, Management to support the programme, constant evaluation to ensure that employees receive the best service, professional people be employed to render the service and employees be constantly reassured about confidentialityenAbsenteeismEmployee absenteeismHealth and wellness programmesThesis