Original Research

Indicators for the ROI of Employee Wellness Programmes in South African Water Utility Organisations

Modiegi L. Mathaphuna, Wim Roestenburg, Roslind M. Mokwele
SA Journal of Human Resource Management | Vol 22 | a2679 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v22i0.2679 | © 2024 Modiegi L. Mathaphuna, Wim Roestenburg, Roslind M. Mokwele | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 24 May 2024 | Published: 04 October 2024

About the author(s)

Modiegi L. Mathaphuna, Department of Social Work, COMPRES, Faculty of Health Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Wim Roestenburg, Department of Social Work, COMPRES, Faculty of Health Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Roslind M. Mokwele, Department of Social Work, COMPRES, Faculty of Health Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Our research emphasises the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of employee wellness programmes (EWPs). By analysing indicators of return on investment (ROI), we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of such programmes, which are part of a participatory process.

Research purpose: This study aimed to address a significant gap in the evaluation of EWPs in water utility organisations. We involved a panel of experts familiar with the organisation’s dynamics and internal processes in creating a unique framework of variables and indicators for evaluating ROI.

Motivation for the study: There is little evidence of such programmes being evaluated at the local level, including within water utility organisations. Few studies focus on developing universally applicable ROI tools to measure the cost-effectiveness and social contribution of these programmes.

Research approach/design and method: The study used a qualitative approach and employed the rigorous and widely respected Delphi technique to obtain consensus from a panel of experts.

Main findings: The panel of experts reached a consensus on the qualitative and quantitative variables to include in a framework for evaluating the ROI of EWPs.

Practical/managerial implications: The study found that determining the ROI of EWPs can be challenging as programmes often focus on the human aspects of organisations and less on cost factors. However, the study demonstrated the essential need for organisations to use a combination of subjective and objective indicators to evaluate the effects of EWPs, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness.

Contribution/value added: The study provides insights on subjective indicators reflecting non-monetary benefits and objective indicators reflecting cost factors.

 


Keywords

employee wellness programme; return on investment; Delphi study; indicators; cost-effectiveness assessment; programme impact; monitoring and evaluation; productivity

JEL Codes

D23: Organizational Behavior • Transaction Costs • Property Rights; M11: Production Management; M12: Personnel Management • Executives; Executive Compensation

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Metrics

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