Investigating work-related stress among VIP protection officers in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province

Abstract

Work-related stress refers how people respond when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their abilities, and this determines how they cope. There are many causes of work-related stress, and these include long working hours, heavy workload, and conflict with managers. Some of the effects of work stress include high absenteeism and poor work performance. However, employees may experience work stress differently because of various reasons. The different reactions that people exhibit to work stress can be influenced by personality differences. Some people are naturally more resilient in the face of stress, while others can feel more threatened and less able to cope. The aim of this study was to investigate how VIP protectors at the Kimberley VIP protection unit experience work-related stress and identify its causes. Qualitative research methodology and case study design were adopted to generate an in-depth understanding of work-related stress experienced by the VIP protectors. Five participants (VIP protectors) were recruited to take part in the study. All of them were males and had more than two years’ experience working in the VIP protection unit in Kimberley (Northern Cape province). The semi-structured interviews, with each one lasting approximately 45 minutes, were used to collect the data, which were analysed using the thematic analysis process. The five models of work stress were used to describe and understand the issue of work-related stress among VIP protectors in the Kimberley VIP protection unit. Some of the key findings of this study include expositions of the difficulties experienced by the VIP protectors in striking a balance between work and family because of long working hours. The VIP protectors also complained about being excluded from the decision-making process on the issues that had direct effects on their duties. This study recommended that VIP protectors should be included in the decision-making process, especially on issues that directly or indirect affect their work. There is also a need to address cases of favouritism within the Kimberley VIP protection unit.