Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:705890
Due Date: 15 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PREVENTION AND SUPPORT
INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND
Substance abuse in the workplace presents serious risks for employee health,
safety, and productivity. According to Nova Recovery Center (2020), employees who
struggle with substance use are often less productive, take more sick leave, make
more errors, and experience more conflict at work. This not only affects individual
wellbeing but also impacts overall organisational performance and morale.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are workplace initiatives designed to support
employees facing personal or work-related challenges, including substance abuse.
These programs offer confidential counselling, health education, and referrals to
treatment services (Attridge, 2019). An EAP that focuses on substance abuse
provides early intervention, promotes mental health, and creates a supportive
environment that encourages recovery.
In South Africa, substance use problems are widespread, affecting various sectors
and age groups (Ramlagan et al., 2010). Workplace-based support systems,
including counselling and wellness programs, are essential to prevent long-term
consequences such as absenteeism, job loss, and reduced performance (Bacharach
et al., 2008). Therefore, a well-structured EAP focusing on substance abuse
education and access to counselling can improve both employee wellbeing and
organisational health.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The main aim of this Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is to support employees
who struggle with substance abuse while creating a healthy, safe, and productive
work environment. The specific objectives are:
1. To educate employees about the dangers of substance abuse and how it
affects health, work performance, and relationships.
2. To provide confidential access to counselling and treatment for
employees dealing with substance abuse.
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