What drives and undermines domestic worker engagement in resettled farms? Insights from rural Zimbabwe

Purpose. This paper investigates the status, drivers and consequences of low employee engagement among domestic workers in resettled farms in rural Zimbabwe. It focuses on how employment conditions and employer practices shape domestic employees’ motivation, morale and turnover intentions. Methodology. The study adopts a quantitative research design based on a single case of resettled farms in Ward 32, Masvingo rural district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 60 conveniently selected domestic workers and analysed using factor analysis and reliability tests in SPSS. Results. Findings show that employee engagement among domestic workers is extremely low, with respondents reporting poor working conditions, inadequate protective clothing, limited access to basic food items and poor housing. Key engagement drivers identified include two-way communication, leadership quality, compensation, regular feedback, working conditions, career development, rewards and recognition, work–life balance, organizational resources and perceptions of fair and equal treatment; depending on how these drivers are managed, they can either enhance or further erode engagement levels. Theoretical contribution. The study extends the employee engagement literature to marginalized and informal agricultural labour settings, highlighting the influence of socio-economic and institutional factors on domestic worker engagement in resettled farms. Practical implications. The results call on farm owners and policymakers to design targeted interventions that improve domestic workers’ material conditions, recognition and voice at the workplace. Addressing basic welfare deficits and strengthening fair employment practices can reduce labour turnover and support more sustainable agricultural production in resettled areas. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth