Employee Assistance Programme Utilisation and Its Effect on Productivity of Workers in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Warri Operations

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) have been adopted by major Nigerian corporations as a human resources strategy, yet evidence on their utilisation patterns and productivity outcomes in the oil and gas sector is limited. This study examined the utilisation of Employee Assistance Programmes and their effect on productivity among workers at NNPC Warri Operations, Delta State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive correlational design was used, with 200 employees selected through stratified random sampling. The EAP Utilisation Scale and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI) were administered. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Findings indicated a significant positive relationship between EAP utilisation and worker productivity, with consistent users of counselling and wellness services demonstrating higher productivity scores and lower absenteeism rates. Awareness of the available EAP services was, however, limited to approximately 40 percent of the sampled workforce. Male workers were less likely to voluntarily access counselling components. The study concluded that EAP design and communication within NNPC Warri needs significant improvement. Recommendations included mandatory EAP orientation sessions for all employees, training of on-site counsellors in occupational health psychology, and quarterly monitoring of utilisation and outcomes by HR management. Keywords: employee assistance programme, productivity, NNPC, Warri, occupational counselling.