Life Skills Training as Part of Employee Assistance Programs in South Africa

Abstract

SUMMARY The reason employees resign from their jobs is not always for better pay and benefits elsewhere. Statistics show that one of the leading hospital groups in South Africa has a staff turnover rate of 23%. Research by Taute (1992) proved that the social functioning of people is hampered by too much frustration, too little satisfaction and insufficient contentment with life. Competence building through Life Skills education may be the single most effective preventative strategy for dealing with social issues and concerns in most communities (Tschohl, 2004). “Developing your interpersonal skills is not only beneficial in helping you satisfy the demands of the employer. It can also greatly reduce work stress, increase your productivity and ultimately enhance your reputation, perhaps your position within the firm” (Messmer, 2001). Life Skills acquisition should thus become an integral part of any proactive training program, and should be endorsed by the employer as part of the process of lifelong learning toward self-actualization.