Joburg’s Employee Assistance Programme supports staff mental wellness

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their position, age or background. The City's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides professional mental health and wellness services throughout the year to ensure employees receive the support they need.

Ntombiningi Tshabane, Employee Wellness Deputy Director, says mental health is just as important as physical health. “It also helps reduce stigma or judgement for those who seek assistance, encourages open conversations and promotes a culture of compassion and support within the City.

“Let us remember that a mentally healthy workforce contributes to improved morale, healthier relationships, increased productivity, and overall organisational wellbeing," says Tshabane.

Employees face a range of mental health challenges. These include grief over the loss of a loved one, work-related stress and burnout due to staff shortages, heavy workloads and tight deadlines, anxiety and emotional exhaustion, stress and depression due to medical conditions, financial stress, trauma following accidents, and substance abuse.

Tshabane says the EAP provides a range of internal support services, including stress and burnout management, trauma debriefing and critical incident support, grief and bereavement counselling, depression and anxiety support, substance abuse intervention, family and relationship counselling, financial wellness support and workplace conflict and adjustment support.
In cases where specialised or long-term care is required, employees are referred to psychologists, psychiatrists, rehabilitation centres or other specialists. EAP services are offered through face-to-face counselling sessions, telephone counseling and online or virtual sessions.

In an event of crisis or emergency trauma debriefing is conducted within 72 hours for everyone and within 48-hours for Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officials. Counseling appointments are also scheduled within a short period, depending on availability. The EAP prides itself on handling all cases with respect and confidentiality.

“Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of EAP services. Information shared during counselling sessions is kept strictly confidential and is not disclosed to management, colleagues, or family members without the employee's consent, except where disclosure is required by law or when there is a serious risk of harm to the individual or others. EAP specialists operate according to professional ethical standards," Tshabane explains.

Employees can access EAP services by contacting the EAP office in their respective regions, referral by supervisors or managers when support is needed or informal referral by a family member, HR, friend or shop steward.

Tshabane encourages employees to seek help when needed. “Everyone experiences challenges at some point in life and no one should feel they must face them alone. Seeking help is not a weakness but a sign of strength and self-awareness. Early intervention often prevents challenges from becoming overwhelming."

For more information or assistance, contact an EAP specialist, as outlined in the City's internal newsletter.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
05/06/2026

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