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Durban Chamber Employee Assistance Programme
Adapted, with kind permission, from the DCI website
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The devastating effects of HIV/AIDS have become a stark reality for business, and as a result, more comprehensive strategies are being sought to combat the epidemic. Business leaders are turning to creative ways in order to minimise the cost of absenteeism, low productivity, replacement labour and other direct and indirect effects of the epidemic. Simultaneous to the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS, people living in Durban also suffer from high levels of physical, sexual, alcohol, drug, and emotional abuse.
As a cost-effective solution to these problems, and in association with Life Line, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry has established two Employee Assistance Centres.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SERVICE?
· Reducing absenteeism, overtime and sick leave pay
· Avoiding long term health care, hospitalisation and strain on medical aids
· Reducing industrial relations problems and conflict in the workplace
· Improving employee performance and overall efficiency
WHAT SERVICES DOES THE CENTRE OFFER?
· Voluntary HIV testing and counselling for employees wanting to establish their HIV status
· Access to basic medical treatment, including natural and herbal remedies for HIV-positive employees
· Counselling for victims of rape or sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as victims of violent crime.
· In association with the nearest clinic, offers a sexually transmitted diseases programme
· Access to traditional healers
· Access to, and counselling on, the use of condoms
WHERE WILL THESE SERVICES BE OFFERED?
Presently, the EAP programme operates from Centres located in
Warwick Triangle and Windermere Road. Both sites have been chosen to make it easy for employees to gain access to the services, especially for those who use public transport.
Employees can visit both Centres discreetly, without the fear of being watched by other employees. Furthermore, the fact that the services are offered away from any workplace allows the employee to visit the site in their own time, causing less embarrassment,and less cost to the employer.
WHO RUNS THE CENTRES?
Highly trained staff including counsellors, a nurse, social worker, and traditional healer, will operate from the Centres.
WHAT IS THE COST?
R12 per Employee per month.
WHEN WILL THE SERVICES COMMENCE?
March 2002.
WHAT OTHER BENEFITS CAN MEMBERS ENJOY?
Members utilising this service have direct access to information relating to HIV/AIDS management, including:
· Codes of Good Practice
· HR/IR Advice
· Policy development
ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED
The Chamber also offers members training on:
· Peer Educator and Peer Counsellor Training
· Management Training on HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS Awareness Training.
CONTACT PERSON
Brad Mears, Manager: HIV/AIDS Desk, on telephone 031 335 1034. |
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