Beyond the Paycheck: A Qualitative Exploration of Economic, Social, and Workplace Determinants Shaping Garment Workers’ Well-Being in Bangladesh
Dr. Rumana Afrin, Dr. Sahin Akter Sarker
Email: r.afrin@fairgroup-bd.com, afrin.zr@gmail.com
Download pdf
Article Information
Cite
Abstract
This investigation examines the determinants inducing worker well-being in Bangladesh’s ReadyMade Garment (RMG) sector. The study regards wages, health, workplace safety, gender equality, and education as key components of well-being. A qualitative research design, employing in-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured questionnaire, was utilized. One hundred factory workers from Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur District of Bangladesh participated. Purposive sampling was utilized to achieve diversity within the participants’ characteristics and experience in their workplace. Working environment, social support, economic security, and career opportunity are the four interrelated themes shape workers well-being. Thematic examination, as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2019), was employed to detect recurring themes. Unfavourable work environment as extended work hours, substandard wages adversely affect quality of life whereas social support boost performance. Economic security and training opportunity facilitates emotional well-being. Policy propositions include imposing safety laws, expediting gender-sensitive policies, launching emotional stress management initiatives, promoting cross-functional coordination, guaranteeing impartial wages, and integrating training for better productivity.The study extends understanding of well-being by integrating psychological and social dimensions alongside physical conditions. The study focuses on three industrial regions; future research should include other regions and employ mixed-methods approaches for generalization
