The assessment of absenteeism on a platinum mine
- Authors: Chiloane, Nhleko Monique
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Platinum mines and mining - Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424635 , uj:36322
- Description: Abstract: Absenteeism is a disruptive activity that can negatively affect a company’s productivity, revenue and costs. This behaviour can be defined as an employee’s habit of being absent from work. Absenteeism is classified into two categories, namely, authorised and unauthorised absence. Authorised absenteeism occurs when an employee misses work with justified reasons, such as injury or sickness. It may occur when an employee requests time away from work in advance or impulsively. Employers may approve this to avoid a negative impact on the attendance record of the employee. Unauthorised absenteeism refers to instances where the employee misses work and fails to give a reasonable justification for the absence. In 2010, the mining industry recorded the highest absenteeism rate due to the harsh conditions in underground mines and the strict health and safety regulations which apply to mining employees. Lonmin (2012) recorded a high rate of absenteeism due to strike action (35%), illness (17%) and unapproved absenteeism (2.48%). Sibanye-Stillwater (2017) reported that productivity was impacted by absenteeism, including mine accident sick leave, medical sick leave, occupational health, unpaid leave, absence without consent, training and annual leave. A rate of 15.1% of days lost owing to absenteeism was reported in 2016, even though this was down from 17.2% in 2013, 16.4% and 15.4% in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Organisations are well aware of the costs associated with absenteeism, therefore it is essential to determine the root cause of this phenomenon and establish strategies to reduce the rate of absenteeism in the workplace. This research study is a platinum mine case study conducted using mixed methods such as qualitative and quantitative approaches. Two questionnaires were designed: (1) quantitative questionnaire and (2) qualitative questionnaire. The respondents of this study for the quantitative questionnaire were production employees while respondents for the qualitative questionnaire included supervisors, human resource officers and accountants. The respondents were selected using simple random and accidental sampling methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and present it as frequency tables, graphs and means. This study finds that winch operators were more absent than other employees meanwhile, winch operators earned a lower salary compared to rock drill operators. There is a general perception amongst employees that an insufficient crew at the sections resulted in unplanned overtime and working longer hours to compensate for the time lost by absentees, which further led to stress and conflict among other employees. Supervisors did not implement strict discipline on absentees, with 80% of “absences without permission” (AWOPS) not being addressed. Absenteeism resulted in decreased productivity at the mine. It emerged that working conditions were the major issue that the mine should address in order to manage absenteeism. This was deduced from the suggestions by most of the respondents... , M.Tech. (Extraction Metallurgy)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chiloane, Nhleko Monique
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Platinum mines and mining - Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424635 , uj:36322
- Description: Abstract: Absenteeism is a disruptive activity that can negatively affect a company’s productivity, revenue and costs. This behaviour can be defined as an employee’s habit of being absent from work. Absenteeism is classified into two categories, namely, authorised and unauthorised absence. Authorised absenteeism occurs when an employee misses work with justified reasons, such as injury or sickness. It may occur when an employee requests time away from work in advance or impulsively. Employers may approve this to avoid a negative impact on the attendance record of the employee. Unauthorised absenteeism refers to instances where the employee misses work and fails to give a reasonable justification for the absence. In 2010, the mining industry recorded the highest absenteeism rate due to the harsh conditions in underground mines and the strict health and safety regulations which apply to mining employees. Lonmin (2012) recorded a high rate of absenteeism due to strike action (35%), illness (17%) and unapproved absenteeism (2.48%). Sibanye-Stillwater (2017) reported that productivity was impacted by absenteeism, including mine accident sick leave, medical sick leave, occupational health, unpaid leave, absence without consent, training and annual leave. A rate of 15.1% of days lost owing to absenteeism was reported in 2016, even though this was down from 17.2% in 2013, 16.4% and 15.4% in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Organisations are well aware of the costs associated with absenteeism, therefore it is essential to determine the root cause of this phenomenon and establish strategies to reduce the rate of absenteeism in the workplace. This research study is a platinum mine case study conducted using mixed methods such as qualitative and quantitative approaches. Two questionnaires were designed: (1) quantitative questionnaire and (2) qualitative questionnaire. The respondents of this study for the quantitative questionnaire were production employees while respondents for the qualitative questionnaire included supervisors, human resource officers and accountants. The respondents were selected using simple random and accidental sampling methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and present it as frequency tables, graphs and means. This study finds that winch operators were more absent than other employees meanwhile, winch operators earned a lower salary compared to rock drill operators. There is a general perception amongst employees that an insufficient crew at the sections resulted in unplanned overtime and working longer hours to compensate for the time lost by absentees, which further led to stress and conflict among other employees. Supervisors did not implement strict discipline on absentees, with 80% of “absences without permission” (AWOPS) not being addressed. Absenteeism resulted in decreased productivity at the mine. It emerged that working conditions were the major issue that the mine should address in order to manage absenteeism. This was deduced from the suggestions by most of the respondents... , M.Tech. (Extraction Metallurgy)
- Full Text:
Afwesigheid van werk as verskynsel in die bedryf : 'n literatuurstudie
- Authors: De Villiers, Vasti
- Date: 2014-04-14
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10167
- Description: M.A. (Social Work) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Villiers, Vasti
- Date: 2014-04-14
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10167
- Description: M.A. (Social Work) , Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Causes of absenteeism at a South African gold mining company
- Authors: Moholane, Ronnie
- Date: 2012-06-08
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Miners' attitudes
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5094
- Description: 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.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moholane, Ronnie
- Date: 2012-06-08
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Miners' attitudes
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5094
- Description: 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.
- Full Text:
The experiences of absenteeism of South African Police Services employees in Trichardt, Embalenhle, Kinross and Secunda
- Authors: Moreli, Limakatso Anicia
- Date: 2012-07-09
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , South African Police Service
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5156
- Description: M.A. , Absenteeism in the workplace is a worldwide problem. It is inevitable and if it becomes excessive, can have serious adverse impact on the operations and service delivery of the organization. The aim of this qualitative study was to reduce the level of absenteeism of South African Police Services (SAPS) employees at Trichardt, Embalenhle, Kinross and Secunda (TEKSA) police stations. The study identified the experiences of absenteeism of SAPS employees in TEKSA; it uncovered reasons for absenteeism, explored possible effects of absenteeism at the SAPS in TEKSA. It also revealed ways in which the organization can address and reduce absenteeism at the SAPS in TEKSA. The study was descriptive and exploratory. The researcher used the qualitative paradigm which was the relevant approach because it aimed to understand and interpret the meaning that subjects gave to their everyday lives. Participation was voluntary. Face-to-face interviews with individual participants were conducted to collect the data. The sample comprised three White females, three African females, two African males and one Indian male. Findings of the study revealed that there is confusion and misunderstanding between absenteeism and leave. The study revealed that absenteeism is caused by a number of factors namely, personal, social, managerial, and organizational factors. Findings of the study also revealed that absenteeism affects the organization, the members and the community negatively. The study also found that absenteeism can be reduced by addressing personal, organizational and managerial factors. The relevance and value of the study are discussed. In addressing the above factors the level of absence will decrease and good employer/employee relations will be established. The acknowledgement and implementation of this study’s recommendations will help to build a strong positive relationship between the SAPS managers and members, leading to reduction in absenteeism. Proper management of absence will enable the SAPS TEKSA to achieve its overall goal and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens of South Africa. Findings contributed to literature and to the researchers’ current knowledge of absenteeism. The knowledge acquired through this study will enable the researcher to provide effective and efficient services to her clients. The study concludes with recommendations on how to address absenteeism proactively and reactively and recommendations regarding further research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moreli, Limakatso Anicia
- Date: 2012-07-09
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , South African Police Service
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5156
- Description: M.A. , Absenteeism in the workplace is a worldwide problem. It is inevitable and if it becomes excessive, can have serious adverse impact on the operations and service delivery of the organization. The aim of this qualitative study was to reduce the level of absenteeism of South African Police Services (SAPS) employees at Trichardt, Embalenhle, Kinross and Secunda (TEKSA) police stations. The study identified the experiences of absenteeism of SAPS employees in TEKSA; it uncovered reasons for absenteeism, explored possible effects of absenteeism at the SAPS in TEKSA. It also revealed ways in which the organization can address and reduce absenteeism at the SAPS in TEKSA. The study was descriptive and exploratory. The researcher used the qualitative paradigm which was the relevant approach because it aimed to understand and interpret the meaning that subjects gave to their everyday lives. Participation was voluntary. Face-to-face interviews with individual participants were conducted to collect the data. The sample comprised three White females, three African females, two African males and one Indian male. Findings of the study revealed that there is confusion and misunderstanding between absenteeism and leave. The study revealed that absenteeism is caused by a number of factors namely, personal, social, managerial, and organizational factors. Findings of the study also revealed that absenteeism affects the organization, the members and the community negatively. The study also found that absenteeism can be reduced by addressing personal, organizational and managerial factors. The relevance and value of the study are discussed. In addressing the above factors the level of absence will decrease and good employer/employee relations will be established. The acknowledgement and implementation of this study’s recommendations will help to build a strong positive relationship between the SAPS managers and members, leading to reduction in absenteeism. Proper management of absence will enable the SAPS TEKSA to achieve its overall goal and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens of South Africa. Findings contributed to literature and to the researchers’ current knowledge of absenteeism. The knowledge acquired through this study will enable the researcher to provide effective and efficient services to her clients. The study concludes with recommendations on how to address absenteeism proactively and reactively and recommendations regarding further research.
- Full Text:
The benefits of a health and wellness strategy in a corporate environment
- Mphahlele, Adelaide Raesetje
- Authors: Mphahlele, Adelaide Raesetje
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Industrial hygiene , Absenteeism (Labor) , Labor productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225840 , uj:22819
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Although the concept of having health and wellness programmes in a workplace is appealing to employees, the question that must be asked is whether or not employers are seeing the benefits of those initiatives. The aim of this research was to investigate the benefits of a health and wellness strategy in a corporate environment. The researcher analysed what employees want and what they perceive as effective and beneficial to them. She also made recommendations, directed at the management of University X, about what should be done to establish and maintain an effective health and wellness strategy for employees. A qualitative, cross-sectional, time-based research design was used. The researcher developed a semi-structured, open-ended interview schedule consisting of ten questions. The intention was to collect data from a purposive sample of nine female administration employees at the Faculty of Management of University X. The nine employees who were sampled consisted of one head of faculty administration, two course co-ordinators, three senior faculty officers, two faculty officers and one faculty administration assistant. The interview questions were based on themes and concepts suggested by a review of the relevant literature on the topic of employee health and well-being and its relationship to organisational performance and productivity. The findings revealed that employees are aware of the positive relationship between health and wellness and productivity. The findings also strongly suggested that time is the biggest constraint for employees wanting to improve their health. Lastly, employees raised concerns about the necessity for rigid working hours, as this prevents them from using the health and wellness facilities that University X offers. This research draws attention to new information about the value of health and wellness in a corporate environment, the benefits of a health and wellness initiative and the possible drawbacks of health and wellness programmes in such a context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mphahlele, Adelaide Raesetje
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Industrial hygiene , Absenteeism (Labor) , Labor productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225840 , uj:22819
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: Although the concept of having health and wellness programmes in a workplace is appealing to employees, the question that must be asked is whether or not employers are seeing the benefits of those initiatives. The aim of this research was to investigate the benefits of a health and wellness strategy in a corporate environment. The researcher analysed what employees want and what they perceive as effective and beneficial to them. She also made recommendations, directed at the management of University X, about what should be done to establish and maintain an effective health and wellness strategy for employees. A qualitative, cross-sectional, time-based research design was used. The researcher developed a semi-structured, open-ended interview schedule consisting of ten questions. The intention was to collect data from a purposive sample of nine female administration employees at the Faculty of Management of University X. The nine employees who were sampled consisted of one head of faculty administration, two course co-ordinators, three senior faculty officers, two faculty officers and one faculty administration assistant. The interview questions were based on themes and concepts suggested by a review of the relevant literature on the topic of employee health and well-being and its relationship to organisational performance and productivity. The findings revealed that employees are aware of the positive relationship between health and wellness and productivity. The findings also strongly suggested that time is the biggest constraint for employees wanting to improve their health. Lastly, employees raised concerns about the necessity for rigid working hours, as this prevents them from using the health and wellness facilities that University X offers. This research draws attention to new information about the value of health and wellness in a corporate environment, the benefits of a health and wellness initiative and the possible drawbacks of health and wellness programmes in such a context.
- Full Text:
Teacher absenteeism in schools within the Ekurhuleni South District Education Department
- Authors: Mthombeni, Justice S.
- Date: 2012-08-02
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Teachers - Legal status , Teacher absenteeism , Education law and legislation , Ekurhuleni (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5401
- Description: M.Phil. , The objective of this research study was to investigate the underlying causes of teacher absenteeism. A sample of fifteen [15] schools in the Ekurhuleni South District Office of the Gauteng Department of Education were used in the investigation. The investigation was motivated by an analysis of recent statistics of teacher absenteeism. This analysis suggests the abuse of the various leave privileges provided for in the conditions of employment of teachers. These conditions were negotiated between the Department of Education and the teachers’ representative trade unions, and are supported by the minimum provisions with regard to leave contained in labour legislation but exceed, the requirements set out by the said provisions. This apparent abuse of the various leave privileges, albeit authorised, seems to be exacerbated by the unacceptably high incidence of unauthorised absenteeism by teachers. This includes tardiness in respect of work hours, a high incidence of generally poor time keeping, early departures from (work) school premises and absenteeism during working (school) hours. Another finding was that teachers neglect core work activities such as teaching, in order to attend to, inter alia, personal matters, as well as, other authorised activities like trade union meetings. The aforementioned trends in absenteeism are explained by teachers who give ‘reasons’ for their absence or who rely on the fact that the negotiated conditions of service give them the ‘right’ to make use of all the leave privileges. The reasons given by teachers to justify their absenteeism include, inter alia: (a) a complete lack of, or non-functionality of, public transport to and from their place of work, (b) the geographic distance between their places of residence and work, (c) the lack of or absence of service facilities such as clinics, (d) stress, (e) depression, (f) an excessive work load, (g) a lack of motivation, (h) a low morale, (i) poverty, (j) alcoholism, (k) criminality, and (l) extramural activities. Many of the reasons given by teachers for absenteeism are in fact reflective of the negative attitude present in many teachers and demonstrate perceptions of a lack of development and professional opportunities within the teaching profession. The so-called “abuse” of privileges that is perpetrated under the pretext of the teachers exercising their ‘rights’ is characterised as such because the teachers exhaust all the leave provisions irrespective of there being actual cause/justifiable reason for them to do so. This trend towards excessive and unjustified absenteeism, both authorised and unauthorised, has indisputably had a negative impact on the delivery of quality education. This underlies the well-documented phenomenon of school-level learner under-performance, and consequential functional illiteracy manifested in many learners. The manifestations of teacher absenteeism, learner under-performance and poor quality education are clearly closely interrelated, and are recognised as key factors that have contributed to a crisis of epidemic proportions in education. The investigation was carried out by means of a quantitative analysis of nominal data solicited from a sample of teachers, principals, and officials from the district office. The data was solicited from the sample of respondents by means of a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data that was collected was analysed by means of various inferential statistical methodologies after an analysis of the descriptive statistics in the form of frequency tables. The analysis evaluated the significance of the findings. The envisaged value of the research investigation is perceived to lie in the probability that, a proper understanding of the underlying causes and dynamics of the unacceptable trend toward absenteeism will facilitate the development of policy, as well as the management of teacher absenteeism. The presumption on which the investigation is based, is that if suitable policy is developed that will obviate the underlying causes, and absenteeism is properly managed, both at the school level by the principals of the schools and also at the district level by the relevant officials, the quality of education delivered to learners at school will improve, which it is presumed will result in improved learner performance, which in turn will result in substantial benefits to South Africa in terms of educational outcomes, increase of the knowledge and skills base and increased competencies that will enhance economic performance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mthombeni, Justice S.
- Date: 2012-08-02
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) , Teachers - Legal status , Teacher absenteeism , Education law and legislation , Ekurhuleni (South Africa)
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:8929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5401
- Description: M.Phil. , The objective of this research study was to investigate the underlying causes of teacher absenteeism. A sample of fifteen [15] schools in the Ekurhuleni South District Office of the Gauteng Department of Education were used in the investigation. The investigation was motivated by an analysis of recent statistics of teacher absenteeism. This analysis suggests the abuse of the various leave privileges provided for in the conditions of employment of teachers. These conditions were negotiated between the Department of Education and the teachers’ representative trade unions, and are supported by the minimum provisions with regard to leave contained in labour legislation but exceed, the requirements set out by the said provisions. This apparent abuse of the various leave privileges, albeit authorised, seems to be exacerbated by the unacceptably high incidence of unauthorised absenteeism by teachers. This includes tardiness in respect of work hours, a high incidence of generally poor time keeping, early departures from (work) school premises and absenteeism during working (school) hours. Another finding was that teachers neglect core work activities such as teaching, in order to attend to, inter alia, personal matters, as well as, other authorised activities like trade union meetings. The aforementioned trends in absenteeism are explained by teachers who give ‘reasons’ for their absence or who rely on the fact that the negotiated conditions of service give them the ‘right’ to make use of all the leave privileges. The reasons given by teachers to justify their absenteeism include, inter alia: (a) a complete lack of, or non-functionality of, public transport to and from their place of work, (b) the geographic distance between their places of residence and work, (c) the lack of or absence of service facilities such as clinics, (d) stress, (e) depression, (f) an excessive work load, (g) a lack of motivation, (h) a low morale, (i) poverty, (j) alcoholism, (k) criminality, and (l) extramural activities. Many of the reasons given by teachers for absenteeism are in fact reflective of the negative attitude present in many teachers and demonstrate perceptions of a lack of development and professional opportunities within the teaching profession. The so-called “abuse” of privileges that is perpetrated under the pretext of the teachers exercising their ‘rights’ is characterised as such because the teachers exhaust all the leave provisions irrespective of there being actual cause/justifiable reason for them to do so. This trend towards excessive and unjustified absenteeism, both authorised and unauthorised, has indisputably had a negative impact on the delivery of quality education. This underlies the well-documented phenomenon of school-level learner under-performance, and consequential functional illiteracy manifested in many learners. The manifestations of teacher absenteeism, learner under-performance and poor quality education are clearly closely interrelated, and are recognised as key factors that have contributed to a crisis of epidemic proportions in education. The investigation was carried out by means of a quantitative analysis of nominal data solicited from a sample of teachers, principals, and officials from the district office. The data was solicited from the sample of respondents by means of a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The data that was collected was analysed by means of various inferential statistical methodologies after an analysis of the descriptive statistics in the form of frequency tables. The analysis evaluated the significance of the findings. The envisaged value of the research investigation is perceived to lie in the probability that, a proper understanding of the underlying causes and dynamics of the unacceptable trend toward absenteeism will facilitate the development of policy, as well as the management of teacher absenteeism. The presumption on which the investigation is based, is that if suitable policy is developed that will obviate the underlying causes, and absenteeism is properly managed, both at the school level by the principals of the schools and also at the district level by the relevant officials, the quality of education delivered to learners at school will improve, which it is presumed will result in improved learner performance, which in turn will result in substantial benefits to South Africa in terms of educational outcomes, increase of the knowledge and skills base and increased competencies that will enhance economic performance.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »