Perceived workload and performance of shift workers

The present paper is based on the results of a study conducted to investigate whether the relationship between perceived workload and quality of performance, if any, holds true if controlled for shift system, type of task, age, and skill level of the workers. The sample of the study comprised 279 blue-collar workers of a jute industry operating under fixed three-shift system. The subjects were all males selected by random sampling method. The method of data collection was a field study through questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by employing zero-order and partial correlation coefficients. The results indicate that workload and performance were negatively correlated but the strength of the relationship reduced substantially when the effects of the control variables were partialled out simultaneously. It was concluded that the control variables had joint effect on the relationship between workload and performance but skill level of the employees appeared to be the variable having the greatest contaminating effect.