Beyond Physical Injury: Analyzing the Socioeconomic and Psychological Impacts of Unexplained Trauma on Productivity and Retention in Liberia’s Private Sector Workforce
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64261/pajhps.v1n1.015Keywords:
Unexplained trauma, construction workers, Liberia, productivity, retention, occupational stress, mental health, private sectorAbstract
Background:
In Liberia's fragile post-war economy, private sector workers, especially in construction, live under continued occupational stress. However, psychological trauma without a specific physical or clinical trigger - "unexplained trauma", is reported less frequently and poorly understood. This study looks at how unexplained trauma affects construction workers' productivity and retention.
Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 683 employees of a leading construction company in Monrovia. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire on demographic factors, trauma symptoms, work-related stressors, disruption to productivity, and support systems. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were carried out for the analysis.
Results:
Supporting the social scientist's prespective, over 60% of workers reported unexplained trauma symptoms ("feeling fatigued", "physically and emotionally drained", "mood swings", and "sleeping disorders"). There were significant correlations between trauma indicators and poor overall job performance (r = 0.51, p < 0.01) and turnover intentions (r = 0.43, p < 0.05). Only 11% of respondents reported access to psychological services.
Conclusion:
Unexplained trauma has significant measurable impacts on productivity and employee retention. The development of organizations that offer mental health supports within Liberia’s occupational health frameworks will likely enhance practices that are sustainfully positive for worker health and greater worker well-being.
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