WELLNESS PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT OF HEALTHCARE COSTS IN NAIROBI WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY, KENYA

Abstract

This study determined how wellness initiatives affect the control of healthcare expenses at Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company in Nairobi, Kenya. Work/Family Border Theory and Spillover Theory served as the study's guiding theories. The study used a descriptive research approach and focused on all 404 employees working in the functional departments of the Nairobi County headquarters. The departments were; Human Resource department, Finance, Operations, and Commercial. There were 121 responders in the sample. The respondents were chosen using a stratified sample method. Data was gathered both directly and indirectly. Semi-structured questionnaires and likert scales were used to collect the study's primary data. At Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company in Nairobi, Kenya, secondary data was gathered from the publications on human resources that were readily available. To ensure the instrument's validity and reliability, the researcher conducted a pilot study. The closed-ended questions yielded quantitative data, whereas the open-ended questions yielded qualitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis, and results were presented in a narrative format. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) was used to analyze quantitative data using inferential and descriptive statistics. Frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and percentages are all examples of descriptive statistics. The results were presented in tables, graphs and pie-charts. Majority of the respondents moderately agreed that NCWSC had adequate laboratory equipment that deal with Diabetes check, Liver and kidney functions check, breast/prostate/cervical cancer screens at reasonable price. Majority of the respondents agreed that there were flexible work arrangements programs in NWSC. The results indicated that NWSC had conducted workshops for staff on health matters, staff were always encouraged to attend conferences on management of health costs, NWSC company conducted campaigns that educate staff on management of health costs and experts were the ones who conduct seminars for staff. Majority of the respondents agreed that Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company provided fairly effective counselling and therapy services. The study concluded that annual medical check-up, work-life balance, health education seminars and employee assistance programs had significant effect on management of health costs in Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, Kenya.  The research revealed that wellness programs play a crucial role in enhancing the management of health costs. Consequently, water companies should prioritize the improvement of wellness program offering and use as a strategic approach to promote employee performance.