Exploring The Occupational Challenges Faced By Casual Labourers In The Horticultural Industry And How This Impacts On Performance (The Case Of Oserian Development Company (K) Ltd)

ABSTRACT The study sought to find out the occupational challenges faced by casual labourers at Oserian Development Company K Ltd, how these challenges further affect their performance. The variables studied were working conditions, remuneration and working hours. The study traces the background of this problem and defines it. The study is established with the objective of determining to what extent working conditions; remuneration and working hours pose a challenge to casual labourers at Oserian Development Company K Ltd, how these challenges further affect their performance. Literature related to the study has been reviewed to give further insight into the problem at hand. Respondents were drawn through random and purposive sampling techniques. Thirty respondents formed the sample size of the study with the main respondents for the questionnaires constructed being twenty six Casual Labourers at ODC. The interview schedules were administered to one Human Resource Manager and to three Green House Supervisors respectively. Data collected was of both primary and secondary nature. Methods of Data Collection were; interview schedules, questionnaires as well as records derived from previously undertaken studies. The data collected was analysed using frequency distribution tables and percentages, bar graphs and pie charts. From the findings of the study, the researcher had the following conclusions. Casual Labourers at ODC worked under poor working conditions that further affected their efficiency and effectiveness at work. This further affected their performance on the job negatively. The remuneration of casual labourers is poor and this translates into poor living standards for the workers. They cannot fend for themselves and their siblings. This causes psychological stress which impacts negatively on their performance. Workers at ODC are overworked in that they cover more hours of work than is required. - 1 - This causes fatigue and physical stress for the workers. This in turn inhibits them from performing to the fullest of their capabilities and hence affecting performance of the worker and of the company in general. The main recommendations of the study were to improve the working conditions of work, to pay according to contribution of workers; pay overtime pay; use non-monetary rewards as well. Hours of work should be as per the legal requirements; 6 working days in a week; 8 hours of work in a day; observe leave days; overtime pay issued for any extra hours worked; permanent contract to be issued after three months of employment.