Abstract
This study sought to explore factors that perpetuate the overwork cycle
among nonstandard employees in Zimbabwe. Twelve purposively selected
respondents, participated in the qualitative study. Data were gathered through
one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The study identified several factors
that perpetuate the overwork cycle among non-standard employees in
Zimbabwe. Respondents identified job insecurity, financial insecurity,
performance evaluation pressure and pressure from the employer as the key
factors that perpetuate the overwork cycle. The study advises managers at the
case organisation in Zimbabwe to identify factors that perpetuate the overwork
cycle and its effects on both non-standard workers and the organisation and
implement explicit strategies to break this vicious cycle. The study
recommends supervisors at the Zimbabwean case company to implement
evidence-based mechanisms, such as workload audits, a clear career
progression path, competitive compensation, clear communication regarding
contract extension, mandatory insurance benefits, paid time off, digital
boundaries, and mandatory shutdowns to break the overwork cycle among
non-standard workers. The study also recommends non-standard employees to
take regular breaks, prioritise personal life over workloads and say no to extra
work, in order to break the overwork cycle.