Use of wellness programs at a university in South Africa.
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Date
2017
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Abstract
Abstract
Over the past decade Universities in South Africa have moved from a purely
academic environment to provide a sustainable and healthy working environment
taking into account work life balance and the well-being of their core assets, their
employees. In recent years, workplace wellness has become a new focus area for
improvement to enable higher performance, increased productivity and it also
provides organisations with a competitive advantage. Wellness programs are being
used to drive human resources strategies and employee engagement. The aim of
this study is to investigate the Use of Wellness Programs at a University in South
Africa and its impact thereof. The University that was chosen for this study was the
Durban University of Technology. A quantitative research approach was used to
provide the different perspectives and impact from respondents on the subject
matter. Data was collected using a web based questionnaire. The population size
was one thousand three hundred and forty four employees. Simple random
sampling design was used. The sample of two hundred and sixty was drawn. The
sample composed of all three categories of employees, i.e.: management, academic
and administrative and support sector employees, with different genders and
spanning across all the university’s campus locations. The survey was sent
electronically to the selected sample of employees. Statistical analysis revealed that
whilst there was awareness and utilisation of the programs offered by the university,
it was limited and therefore more could be done to increase awareness and
utilisation. The study revealed that incentives were seen as a motivating factor. The
findings aligned to majority of the literature as per findings from previous scholars. It
is recommended that the university reviews the alignment of the current workplace
programs and aligns to the needs as seen from the results of this study. It is further
recommended that the university has in place monitoring and assessment tools for
the impact of the workplace wellness programs. This study can benefit the Durban
University of Technology and other South African Universities in understanding of
the impact of the current program and offerings and the alignment to vision, mission
and strategies; whilst taking into account the drivers for increasing staff morale,
employee performance and productivity which will also aid in reducing stress and
absenteeism levels. Thereby, improving workplace wellness at the university. The
study can benefit the university.
Description
Master’s Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.