The Influence of Quality of Work Life on Employee Job Satisfaction in Water Companies: A Case of Nyahururu Water and Sanitation Company, Kenya

Abstract

In order to attract and keep satisfied and productive employees, the management of water companies has adopted various HR management strategies that are aimed at promoting quality of life for their workforce. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of QWL practices on job satisfaction in water companies. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of flexible work arrangements, job design, stress management and employee engagement on employee’s job satisfaction. The study was conducted at Nyahururu Water and Sanitation Company (NWSC), Laikipia County in the month of March and April 2023. It was to be guided by Two-Factor Theory, the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Theory, the Vroom Expectancy Theory and the Job Characteristics Model. A descriptive research design was adopted. The study targeted all the 156 employees of the company. Proportionate stratified simple random sampling was used in selecting a sample size of 61 respondents. Both close ended and open-ended questionnaires were used in collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Multiple linear regression analysis model was used to determine the correlation between the study variables. Quantitative data was presented using statistical techniques in tables of means and frequencies. The qualitative data was used to supplement interpretation of the quantitative data. The study concludes that that job satisfaction in the company has underlying issues that affect the workers in the company and which needs to be investigated more. This is evident in the case of low pride of working for the company, employee commitment, stress and motivation to deliver. Statistics showed that flexible work arrangements contribution on job satisfaction was significant, job design was not significant, employee stress management was significant but employees’ engagement was not. The study recommends that the management should identify the factors that are affecting the quality of the employees work life and take steps to improve the work environment, communication, and employee motivation in order to enhance job satisfaction. Management should provide opportunities for employees to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement too.