Long Distance Commuting, Psychosocial Stress & Gender in the Mining Sector

Abstract

The research sought to establish the psychosocial stressors among female employees who practice onboarding/ long distance commuting (LDC) in the mining sector with specific focus on Murowa Diamond Mining Company. The study distributed 54 survey questionnaires out of a population of 87 female employees. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Spearman correlation was computed to examine the impact of age and marital status on psychosocial stress among female employees at Murowa Diamond Mining Company. The study found out that female employees perceive the mine as offering more opportunities than disadvantages but they needed more time to rest and socialize with family and friends. The study also found that long-distance commuting was affecting the marital statuses of female employees and was a major source of stress. The study established that age and marital status have positive relationship with stress levels. It was recommended that mining companies which practice onboarding should promote use of social media communication technologies during work shifts, enhance the socialization activities among female employees, re-schedule off days so that female employees are afforded more time to socialize with friends and family. The study al