Abstract

THASI, M.  and  VAN DER WALT, F.. Work stress of employees affected by skills shortages in the South African mining industry. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2020, vol.120, n.3, pp.243-250. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/666/2020.

Skills shortages in core occupational categories in the South African mining industry have reached crisis proportions. The reason for this is that the demand for qualified individuals exceeds the supply. The result is that available employees are overburdened with duties and responsibilities. To curb the current exodus of qualified employees, such as artisans and engineers, mining companies need to consider the wellbeing of these individuals. This study investigated the work stress of employees affected by skills shortages at selected gold mines in South Africa. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed. Convenience sampling was used, and the final sample consisted of 188 artisans and engineers. The respondents indicated that they do experience work-related stress. Occupational aspects that were statistically significantly related to work stress were the physical work environment, career-related issues, and HR policy, especially pertaining to remuneration and fringe benefits. The findings of the study deepen the understanding of work stress of employees employed in occupational categories where skills shortages exist. The findings suggest that mining companies nationwide need to place increased focus on the wellbeing of their employees, so as to prevent further skills shortages in this industry.

Keywords : work stress; skills shortages; mining industry; artisan; engineer.

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