Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2015 Aug;24(3):183-193. 10.5807/kjohn.2015.24.3.183.

Working Experiences of Cleaning Workers

• Kim S
• Kim Y

• KMID: 2043668
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2015.24.3.183

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to describe cleaning workers' working experiences in Korea.
METHODS
The data were collected in two focus-group interviews with 9 cleaning workers. The phenomenological analytic method suggested by Colaizzi was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Five theme clusters and thirteen themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme clusters, 'Dead-end choice' included Limits of elderly women workers, Financial difficulties, Lowered self-esteem. The second theme clusters, 'Facing with discriminatory working environments' included Fear and unfair working conditions. The third theme clusters, 'Potential health problems' included Physical overload, Repeated exposure to hazardous substances and Emotional labor. The fourth theme clusters, 'Excluded from protection of the law' included Gloomy reality and Sexual harassment. The fifth theme clusters, 'Desire to get out of social isolation' included Efforts to maintain the status, Desire to live confidently and Desire to change social recognition.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the study provide understanding on cleaning workers' working experiences to explain by their vision and language and should ensure proper working conditions and environment to live a better life.

Keyword

Qualitative research; Focus groups; Interviews as topic; Working women; Occupational health nursing

MeSH Terms

Aged
Female
Focus Groups
Hazardous Substances
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Korea
Occupational Health Nursing
Qualitative Research
Sexual Harassment
Women, Working
Hazardous Substances