The influence of workplace injury occurrences on productivity. A housekeeping manager’s perspective

This article aimed to investigate the influence of workplace injury occurrence on the productivity of housekeepers in graded hotels operating in the Free State province of South Africa. Drawing from an interpretive philosophical outlook, the study employed a qualitative research approach. To gather data that would address the research questions, the study utilised semi-structured interviews with a non-probability, purposefully selected sample of 13 housekeeping managers from graded hotels in the Free State province. The collected data was thematically analysed, which enabled the formulation of two themes and a sub-theme. The findings, as narrated by the respondents, indicated how injuries hindered housekeepers from performing their duties, leading to absenteeism, increased workload for the remaining staff, and fear of injury. These factors ultimately affect productivity, thereby compromising the establishments' ability to provide customer satisfaction, viability, profitability, and sustainability. Additionally, the findings highlighted that the fear employees experience due to injury occurrences often creates an anxious workforce, prompting them to seek alternative employment opportunities. This results in higher staff turnover, diminished experience within housekeeping, increased human resource costs, and negatively affects productivity while compromising the level of service offered to guests. In conclusion, the study recommends that proactive risk mitigation strategies, the institutionalisation of comprehensive health and safety protocols, investment in ergonomic tools and training, and the cultivation of an empathetic and responsive organisational culture be made imperative for the wellbeing of housekeeping personnel.