Health - related factors affecting lecturers job-performance at Vhembe Technical Vocational Education and Training College, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Abstract

Lecturers are important agents in the provision of tertiary education at Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges, however their effectiveness is highly compromised by health related factors. Lecturers can be exposed to variety of hazards in the workplace owing to chemicals, biological agents, physical factors, adverse ergonomic conditions, allergens and a complex network of safety risks. This conditions can led to the development of certain health related factors that can intern impose negative effects on lecturers job performance. The aim of the study was to determine the health-related factors affecting lecturers’ job performance at Vhembe Technical Vocational Education and Training College. A quantitative approach in the form of a survey, using a descriptive research design, was used in this study. Data was collected from permanent lecturers at Vhembe Technical Vocational Education and Training College. Total sampling was used due to the number of lecturers which is already low. A total of 250 respondents were used to collect data, with edge ranges from 26 to 60 years. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics, physical health problems, emotional problems, mental health problems and chronic diseases. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 was used to analyse the data. Validity and reliability was ensured. The researcher also observed the primary ethical principles upon which standards of ethical conduct in research was based. The results of this study indicate that health related factors affect lecturers’ job performance. About 85% of the respondents indicated that they are absent from work due to work related problems. More than 50% of the respondents revealed that lecturers consult doctors several times within a year due to health related problems, are affected by emotional problems, mental health problems, physical health problems as well as chronic diseases. It is recommended that Management should address the issue of absenteeism comprehensively. An institution of higher learning should have a clinic which is fully supplied with medicines including health professionals such as registered Nurses. Management should employ registered counsellors and registered Psychometrics. Management should put in place health-promoting conditions within the campuses. Giving lecturers reasonable amount of work load would be useful. Management should develop a plan to monitor and evaluate the working environment. Lecturers should organise their work and prioritise activities to avoid rush production.