A survey on the perception of staff welfare programs in large manufacturing firms in Nairobi.

Abstract

The manufacturing industry is a major player III the Kenyan economy. The manufacturing firms contribute about 13.6% of the gross domestic product (GoK, 2003). They include commercial food and allied, building, engineering and electrical, footwear and personal use, leather, medical equipment, metal welding, mining paper and paper board, plastics and rubbers, textiles and timber sector. Considering the country's aim of industrialization by the year 2020, the large manufacturing firms will play an important role. To do this effectively, employee's contribution in terms of increased productivity will be paramount hence they should provide employees with welfare programs. Employee welfare programs are important factor that affects employee's performance as well as the profitability of organizations in that when employees are not motivated their productivity is low. The two objectives of the study were, to establish thc employee perception of staff welfare programs in large manufacturing firms based in Nairobi and to explore the factors that influence perception of welfare programs in large manufacturing firms in Nairobi. To satisfy the objectives of the study, a research survey was designed and data was collected, using a structured questionnaire, administered by a drop and pick method. The study established that majority of the firms (9-4.4%) provide employers with staff welfare programs. These include programs like sickness, bereavements, and counseling programs among others. Further, the study established through the analysis of research data, that certain employee's welfare programs are perceived favorably than others by employees. These include sickness, counseling programs, salary and relocation benefits.