An empirical analysis of employees’ quality of work life in a tannery of South Tamil Nadu

Leather manufacturing encompasses a wide range of processes with a varied range of exposures, all of which may have a negative long-term influence on the quality of life of individuals who work in such environments. Despite the fact that several studies have shown a wide range of results in well-known companies and sectors, the purpose of this study is to better understand the downsides of employees working in an unorganised sector. This investigation on their working environment, corporate culture, salary, and job satisfaction is part of study that adds to the knowledge of areas that yet need to be highlighted. At the same time, it assesses their awareness of the potentially dangerous nature of their jobs, as well as their willingness to work and degree of motivation.

The descriptive research method is used in this study. It investigates the many aspects that influence the quality of work life of employees in the Vaniyambadi tannery business (South Tamilnadu). A basic random sampling strategy was used for collecting data without bias. The sample size for this study is 50 respondents. The researchers used an eight-dimensional standardized scale developed by Aakanksha Tyagi (2012). This instrument was re-edited to meet the context, and its Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.875.

The analysis revealed that more than half of the employees (52 percent) indicated a poor organizational culture in the tannery. It was also discovered that more than half of the respondents (56%) indicated a poor pay package, with nearly three-quarters (74%) implying insufficient welfare facilities. An in-depth inquiry revealed that tannery workers reported to work 9–10 hours every day. The tannery's overall work life quality was found to be below average, with the majority of employees reporting poor work life quality. As a result of the investigation, employees in the tannery experience substandard working conditions despite several labour standards and government provisions for health and safety.

Every day, the situation at tanneries deteriorates more as a consequence of the industry's harmful impact on the environment, people, and their way of life. As previously stated, only a small number of research have been conducted in tannery units that are not in conformity with necessary legal compliances and regulations. This investigation on their working environment, corporate culture, salary, and job satisfaction is part of study that adds to the knowledge of areas that yet need to be highlighted. Thus, the findings illustrate the contemporary reality that employees confront in terms of their work-life quality when working in a small-scale tannery.