EMPLOYEE OPINIONS ABOUT WORKPLACE COUNSELLING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Year 2013, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 133 - 144, 01.12.2013

Alev Torun

Abstract

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) and workplace counselling schemes are becoming commonplace in large Western organizations. However, information about their prevalence in non-Western cultures is scarce. Hence, this research has been conducted to provide a deeper understanding about employee perspectives related to counselling at work in Turkish organizations. The study was implemented with a convenience sample of thirtynine employees working in a variety of organizations. Seven focus groups were conducted for an in-depth discussion of workplace counselling. Analysis of focus group discussions revealed the following categories: willingness and preferences about the uptake of counselling service, issues to be brought forward for counselling, counsellor qualifications deemed as desirable, expected counselling benefits, and sources of social support. Research findings indicated that most of the participants perceived workplace counselling in a positive way. Nevertheless, concerns were stated about confidentiality, trust, and professional skills. Cultural differences, ethical issues, and knowledge about organizational dynamics appear as important factors to be considered for encouraging employees to seek help when needed

Keywords

Workplace counselling, employee opinions

EMPLOYEE OPINIONS ABOUT WORKPLACE COUNSELLING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) and workplace counselling schemes are becoming commonplace in large
Western organizations. However, information about their prevalence in non-Western cultures is scarce. Hence,
this research has been conducted to provide a deeper understanding about employee perspectives related to
counselling at work in Turkish organizations. The study was implemented with a convenience sample of thirtynine employees working in a variety of organizations. Seven focus groups were conducted for an in-depth
discussion of workplace counselling. Analysis of focus group discussions revealed the following categories:
willingness and preferences about the uptake of counselling service, issues to be brought forward for
counselling, counsellor qualifications deemed as desirable, expected counselling benefits, and sources of social
support. Research findings indicated that most of the participants perceived workplace counselling in a positive
way. Nevertheless, concerns were stated about confidentiality, trust, and professional skills. Cultural differences,
ethical issues, and knowledge about organizational dynamics appear as important factors to be considered for
encouraging employees to seek help when needed.

Keywords

Workplace counselling, employee opinions

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