South African employees’ perceptions of the inclusion of traditional health practitioners’ services in workplace employee assistance programmes

Abstract This study investigated employees’ perceptions of incorporating traditional health practitioners’ services in employee assistance programmes in the South African context. A qualitative approach was used in which 49 participants completed a qualitative online questionnaire to share their perceptions. The study’s findings revealed that the wellness needs of African employees in the workplace were not being met; that employees were not aware of African traditional health practitioners’ services available on their company’s employee assistance programmes; and indicated the services of African traditional health practitioners that employees would like to be included in their company’s employee assistance programmes. These findings point to the need for organizations to provide more diverse and inclusive services through their employee assistance programmes.