OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS ON EMPLOYEE TURNOVER INTENTION: A STUDY OF FEMALE EMPLOYEES IN APPAREL INDUSTRY IN PUTTALAM DISTRICT

Abstract

Employee turnover intention has become an increasing concern in Sri Lanka's apparel industry, particularly in areas like Puttalam, where the percentage of female workers is higher. Female workers are more prone to be exposed to occupational hazards in terms of excessive pressure of work and physical strain, and hence their tendency to leave work is bound to increase. While earlier research has investigated general causes of employee turnover, there are limited studies on the specific impact of occupational hazards on turnover intention among female apparel workers with a reference to the mediating function of job stress. This study aims to examine the impact of occupational hazards in terms of work pressure and physical hazards on the turnover intention of employees and whether job stress is a mediator of this relationship. A theoretical foundation was constructed from a narrative literature review, and thereafter, quantitative empirical research was based on a sample of 300 female workers selected by simple random sampling from garment factories in the Puttalam District. The findings are hypothesized assuming a very high positive correlation between occupational hazards and turnover intention, with a mediating effect of job stress. Specifically, both physical hazards and work pressure should increase the degree of stress, which in turn encourages turnover intention. This study addresses an important empirical deficiency by focusing on a vulnerable subgroup of workers and provides factory managers and policymakers with real-world implications. By explaining how occupational stress and turnover are caused by workplace risks, the study is promoting the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving occupational health standards, reducing employee stress, and creating workforce stability in Sri Lanka's apparel sector.