A path analysis study of relationships between long work hours, stress, burnout, job satisfaction and turnover intention among mine workers

Purpose Increased work hours can result in stress and burnout among mine workers. Research within stone, sand and gravel mining operations is limited and has not explored whether health impairment, in this context, influences job satisfaction and turnover intention among these workers. Design/methodology/approach A path analysis was completed using Mplus to assess a theoretical model and hypotheses associated with model variables to include work hours, stress, burnout, job satisfaction and turnover intention. Cross-sectional survey data from 419 stone, sand and gravel mine workers were used in the path analysis. Findings Model fit was good. Work hours were positively associated with stress, stress was positively associated with burnout, stress and burnout were negatively associated with job satisfaction, stress and burnout were positively associated with turnover intention and job satisfaction was negatively associated with turnover intention. Burnout partially mediated the relationship between stress and both job satisfaction and turnover intention. Job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between stress and turnover intention and burnout and turnover intention. An alternate model determined there was no direct relationship between work hours and burnout and that this relationship was fully mediated by stress. Originality/value Findings illustrate the importance of managing work hours among mine workers to reduce health impairment and to bolster job satisfaction and reduce turnover intention.