The Role of Worker Satisfaction in the Underground Environment with Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intent: Fid-Bau Portal

The Role of Worker Satisfaction in the Underground Environment with Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intent

Roberts, Adam C. / Soh, Chee-Kiong / Yap, Hui Shan / Car, Josip / Kwok, Kian-Woon / Christopoulos, George

The work environment plays an important role in shaping the job satisfaction and retention of workers. Previous studies have suggested a link between underground work and worker satisfaction, with underground workers being less satisfied with their workplace. This study examines the relationship between worker satisfaction with work Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ), job satisfaction, and turnover intent in underground and aboveground workplaces. A questionnaire was administered to 401 workers in underground and aboveground workplaces in Singapore. The questionnaire focused on three main factors: IEQ satisfaction, job satisfaction, and turnover intent. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the relationship between these factors, specifically, whether IEQ satisfaction predicted job satisfaction and turnover intent, and whether there were any differences between underground and aboveground workplaces or worker roles. The results indicated that worker satisfaction with IEQ had a significant positive effect on job satisfaction and a significant negative effect on turnover intent. While there was no significant effect of work location (above or underground), subgroup analyses showed that underground workers showed a stronger link between IEQ satisfaction and job satisfaction. In addition, differences were found between worker roles. Office and control room workers showed significant effects of IEQ satisfaction on job satisfaction and turnover intent. In comparison, workshop workers did not show significant effects. This study highlights the importance of worker satisfaction with their environment in shaping job satisfaction and the willingness to leave a job. The results suggest that companies with underground workspaces should prioritize creating a comfortable indoor environment to improve worker job satisfaction and reduce turnover. The findings also suggest that the effect of the work environment on worker attitudes and intentions is influenced by the worker role. Overall, the findings have important implications for underground workplace policies and practices aimed at improving worker retention and job satisfaction.