Abstract
M.Comm.
A South African Gold Mining Company is faced with unplanned work absenteeism among underground workers that negatively affects productivity and safety.
The primary objective of the study is to uncover causes of unplanned absenteeism among the underground workers. In addition, recommendations that could help reduce absenteeism level shave also been cited. To achieve the objectives, fifteen questions were used to facilitate face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions with participants. Absenteeism records at the Company were also studied.
The literature review and finding of the study highlight the existence of multiple causes of absenteeism among underground workers. The recommendations are that the Company needs to consider implementing inclusive interventions to address the causes identified.
The research was conducted using a qualitative research method based on semi structured interviews, focus group discussions and academic literature. Participants included Underground Workers, Shift Overseers, Union Representatives and internal Medical Personnel. Content analysis was applied as the data-analysis method with verbatim quotations cited to enhance finding of the study.
Causes of absenteeism among underground workers include psychological factors, illness, job characteristics, and wage-levels, workers’ positions in the hierarchy, age and gender, alcohol, as well as violence.
The researcher has identified causes of absenteeism at the company. Illness and the workers’ attitudes were found to be among the leading causes that will need to be prioritised in addressing the problem.