Exploring employees’ perceptions and understandings of mental illness in the workplace: a case study of employees of eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

This study explored EThekwini municipality employees’ perceptions and understanding of mental illnesses in the workplace. Furthermore, the researcher wanted to understand the ways in which support for mental illnesses or mental health related issues is provided. This study aimed to uncover employees’ perceptions, knowledge, and beliefs about mental illness. The study draws from the belief that mental health issues are stigmatised and poorly addressed in the workplace due to a lack of knowledge. This impacts on the wellbeing and recovery of mental health sufferers, thus, negatively impacting on productivity and job security. The study adopted a qualitative research design positioned within the interpretivist paradigm. Purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used to select eighteen participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide from a sample of eighteen participants in the EThekwini municipality Water and Sanitation department (EWS). Data were analysed using the thematic content analysis. The research findings established that mental illnesses are caused by psychosocial problems and certain beliefs about life in general. Importantly, the study revealed that mental illness is prevalent among female employees at the EThekwini municipality Water and Sanitation department. Additionally, the findings suggest that the provision of constructive guidance and support to all the EWS employees with mental illnesses will aid in addressing mental illnesses at EWS. EThekwini municipality needs to create programmes and policies that will educate and normalise mental illnesses in the workplace to reduce stigma. This will be achieved by improved and sustained communication and collaboration at an organisational and managerial level between all EWS employees, EWS management and the social worker.