The relationship between shift work and wellbeing

Abstract

The objective of this research is to compare the relationship between a shift work and the wellbeing of workers employed in the maintenance and generation sections in a Power Station. A structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 50 employees. A stratified sampling method was used to three (3) strata so every respondent had an equal opportunity to answer the questionnaire. The employees that were randomly selected occupy different positions at the power station and their grades varied from engineers to technicians. The outcome from these questionnaires provided very interesting feedback with regards to stress, sleeping disorders, health and social life affecting both their families and their life style. These results will be handed over to the human resources section for their evaluation, and design a working system in order to help reduce factors like stress, and improve social relations and health. Recommendations emanating from the study include the introduction of training for employees on how to reduce the impact of shift work, and the provision of professional help, such as targeted medical tests to help those employees who are working on shift basis. A healthy employee is motivated and this leads to job satisfaction which in return will give a better output in his or her work. This situation will create a positive working environment and be of mutual benefit for both the employer and the employee.