Measuring quality of work life of municipal firefighters in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Municipal firefighters face a number of risks and much stress at work. In the South African context, the quality of work life (QWL) is impacted considerably by high stress levels and work-related demands. Currently, firefighting organisations face serious challenges that hamper the QWL among municipal firefighters. These challenges include physical and mental challenges, and the element of work which negatively affects the job performance among the firefighters. The primary research objective has been to identify the key factors that impact on the QWL of municipal firefighters in the Western Cape, South Africa. In addition, this study explores a common approach for measuring the QWL and determining an effective way to maintain a better work life for the firefighters. The quantitative research method was employed. This study measured and analysed the key factors that had impacted on the QWL of municipal firefighters in the Western Cape, South Africa. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a group of 120 municipal firefighters from the Goodwood Fire Department. This study used the ethical principles of informed consent, the right to privacy and honesty, and confidentiality/anonymity in the research process. The quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings and results provide insight into and guidance to management and employees in a practical way to improve the QWL among municipal firefighters. The fire department should upgrade the QWL of its workers so as to hold them and get its very own vital needs. The fire department should develop and keep up QWL programmes. Support from ranking employees are basic to a useful QWL programme. In addition, unmistakable upper level management contribution is one of the critical factors in the procedure accomplishment.