Work Environment and Life Satisfaction among Municipal Cleaning Workers in Jordan: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the professional environment and its impact on life satisfaction among sanitation workers in Jordan. A qualitative approach was used on a sample of 15 sanitation workers. Additionally, two focus group discussions were held, each containing 10) workers. The sample was selected purposively. The results indicated the presence of challenges preventing the provision of a safe work environment, such as administrative and organizational obstacles represented by the absence of social protection in social security and health insurance, lack of access to official holidays and leaves, discrimination and randomness in the distribution of tasks, and poor organization of daily and overtime working hours. Among the most prominent economic challenges were the absence of financial rewards and incentives, and the lack of financial stability due to the nature of daily wage contracts (Miyawama) for sanitation workers. Social challenges also appeared, such as negative societal treatment and exposure to various forms of violence—economic, psychological, verbal, physical, and sexual—in the absence of complaint and reporting mechanisms. The results also showed deficiencies in the application of health and safety standards, such as conducting periodic medical examinations for workers, and the absence of necessary procedures to deal with accidents and injuries. Among the most important recommendations were enhancing societal respect for sanitation workers through media campaigns and social initiatives, and conducting further studies related to sanitation workers in Jordan.