The Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Prof Laila Abubakar has launched an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
This is a work-based intervention program designed to assist employees in resolving personal problems affecting their work performance, health, and well-being.
EAPs typically offer confidential assessment, short-term counselling, referrals, and follow-up services for employees facing a wide range of issues, including mental health concerns, stress management, substance abuse and financial worries.
Addressing the TUM staff and stakeholders on June 18, 2024, during the EAP launch at the TUM’s Assembly Hall, Prof Laila reiterated that the introduction of the programme signifies that TUM is committed to supporting its employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and addressing any challenges they may face.
The EAP initiative responds to the growing awareness of the importance of mental health support in the workplace. It aims to provide employees with resources and tools to enhance their overall well-being.
The Vice-chancellor disclosed that EAP provides employees with access to mental health resources that can help improve overall wellness and reduce stress levels, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
She lauded TUM's key stakeholders who were present such as Kenya Ports Authority, Madison Insurance, Absa Bank, National Bank and MEWA Hospital for supporting TUM in this endeavor.
Such sentiments were echoed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration Finance and Planning Prof Joseph Rasowo, who noted that staff undergo several challenges, and the program has come at the right time.
“Let us be our brother's keeper. I know there is a committee that was trained to handle these issues, but this is a collective responsibility for all of us,” Prof Rasowo said.
The TUM’s EAP chairperson Ms Joan Cheruiyot said that the programme will help handle employee mental issues before they escalate to disciplinary matters.
Ms Salome Wasike of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) mentioned that the programme is geared at enhancing productivity at TUM, and that the TUM EAP committee is expected to do research and give evidence-based results to the management. Her counterparts from Absa and National Bank shared the significance of managing one's finances while MEWA and Madison focused on self-care and loved ones.
In attendance were TUM’s human resource manager Mr David Mwakidimi, UASU Secretary General TUM chapter Prof Josiah Odalo, KUSU Secretary General TUM chapter Mr John Ogwang as well as Chairpersons from various department at the University.
