​A resolute team of 7 counsellors is doing its bit to offer relief to staff members afflicted by Covid-19 in the workplace through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which promotes emotional well-being.

Keitumetse Sedio, a social worker and EAP specialist, says the programme is geared towards emotionally vulnerable employees. “As a caring employer, the City saw it fit to have the EAP programme.”

The City’s EAP offers a set of professional and comprehensive programmes designed to identify, treat, and prevent personal and work-related problems. Sedio says the EAP strives to create and promote a healthy and supportive work environment.

The programme also offers dedicated support for those infected with and affected by Covid-19. When an employee tests positive for Covid-19, they are referred to EAP. EAP also offers bereavement counselling.

Sedio says EAP counsellors keep constant contact with employees who test positive for the coronavirus to offer support and motivation throughout the isolation period. She says EAP professionals also help employees recover from the psychosocial effects of the virus by educating them on the stressors it evokes, and how best to manage them in the workplace.

She encourages employees to stay informed and educated about the virus. “If you’re knowledgeable about the condition, you can manage it better and reduce fear.”

To date, the EAP team has offered support to over 2 000 City employees with Covid-19-related issues, including trauma, shock, hopelessness, and despair.

“During the first wave, symptoms were so severe that employees struggled with breathing, while others were hospitalised. Others were afraid to go to the hospital because there was this myth that if you go to the hospital you will die,” Sedio says.

She notes that it is tough losing employees to the virus. “It is difficult because as a counsellor, you’ll go all out to assist them with the hope they’ll get better, especially those in hospital. It’s difficult when we lose some of them.”

The City’s EAP team includes Sedio, Ntombiningi Tshabane (deputy director), Marumo Ralebona, Nomfundo Mwelae, Leepile Thebe, Nomgibelo Masango, and Azmeeyah Khan (trainee). An additional nine counsellors were contracted to assist during the Covid-19 pandemic, including Ndivho Muavha, Dumisani Hlophe, Nomthandazo Gwama, Maphuthi Poopedi, Harry Diamond, Khutso Shokani, Matshepo Maloma, Ellen Mthembu, and Handrietta Mosome. You can reach the City’s EAP counsellors on the numbers below:

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
25/02/2022