Exploring relationships amongst restructuring, work engagement and psychological safety of retained employees

Abstract

The holistic aim of the study was to evaluate and discover the presence of affiliation between organisational restructuring, work engagement (employee level) and psychological safety of retained employees, post-restructuring at South African mines. Previous studies have not specifically explored the relationship between psychological safety and work engagement after restructuring as experienced within the South African mining context. In this study, a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional design were used. The sample includes a total of 266 participants. Participants were recruited from the Rustenburg Mine complex, under different job grades, including the C-band, D-band, E band and F band, as well as men and women from various ethnicities (black, white, Asian and coloured). Findings pointed towards a significant positive relationship between organisational restructuring, work engagement and psychological safety. On average, respondents agreed to have been fully aware of objectives of organisational restructuring and leadership that were inclusive throughout the processes. Respondents were neutral about restructuring feedback flowing freely and whether it motivated work engagement, they agree to feeling psychologically safe to express themselves without fear, and also maintained work engagement besides going through restructuring. Previous studies confirmed actively-involved employees in restructuring processes are seldom affected by going through the process; even if their jobs are threatened, the active involvement moderates the impact of restructuring on work engagement