Lifelong Dream Realised

Lifelong Dream Realised

Love all, serve all. These core values instilled in Dr Kirschnee Naidoo as a child by her loving parents led her to a career in psychology.

Currently in clinical practice, Naidoo began her career with the Department of Health (DOH) where she managed the Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) for over 17 years. Deciding to pursue her PhD in Psychology, she drew on her years of experience to identify her research topic.

Her study, entitled, The Psychological and Work-related Consequences of Over-Indebtedness Amongst Employees of the KwaZulu-Natal DOH, employed a mixed methods approach to examine the impact of over-indebtedness on South African workplace dynamics which remains insufficiently explored, particularly in relation to its psychological consequences and assessment tools for financial stress and stigma.

The findings revealed that financial stress, stigma, and low self-efficacy inhibit help-seeking behaviours. Mandatory participation in Financial Wellness Programmes (FWP) could alleviate stigma, and improve financial management, decision-making, and stress coping abilities.

‘I found that poor financial management, a low rate of savings, feeling discriminated against, labelled and stigmatised, including perceived indebtedness and being legally indebted, as well as poor coping skills are associated with both indebtedness and over-indebtedness,’ explained Naidoo.

These factors pose a major barrier to financial help-seeking behaviour in the workplace. The role of self-efficacy was found to be a mediating factor for financial help-seeking behaviour. Low self-efficacy is associated with poor financial management and avoidance of help-seeking behaviour when in financial distress.

Naidoo noted, ‘FWPs are essential to help all employees to manage their finances in challenging times. They should not be “nice to have” but should be supported by management commitment and buy-in; they should also be effectively marketed so that employees are aware of the programmes and their benefits in managing over-indebtedness.’

Anti-stigma programmes are also required to address the feelings of embarrassment which deter employees from seeking help. Financial wellness programmes teach employees financial management skills which help them better manage their debt and over-indebtedness and generate wealth. Barriers to accessing the FWP also need to be addressed.

Naidoo is ecstatic to be awarded her PhD. ‘It was challenging in the beginning but UKZN and my supervisor Professor Anna Meyer-Weitz were very supportive. Professor Meyer-Weitz was enthusiastic and saw potential in my area of study. Drs Tasneem Kathree and Lucinda Johns were my cheerleaders whose encouragement and humour helped get me over my writer’s block. Thanks also goes to Dr Varoshini Nadesan for being my motivator and inspiration.’

Meyer-Weitz commended Naidoo saying, ‘congratulations to Kirschnee in obtaining her PhD. Her innovative study highlights the mental health consequences of the debt burden of local government employees and offers strategies to overcome barriers to debt help seeking.’

Naidoo also acknowledged her parents, husband and daughters who were her greatest supporters.

Words: Jennene Naidu
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini