Posture-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort Experienced by Hotel Staff in Vadodara

Abstract

The hospitality industry is physically demanding, with hotel employees frequently performing tasks that place significant strain on their musculoskeletal systems. This study investigates the occurrence of posture-related musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) among hotel staff in Vadodara, specifically focusing on employees in the Front Office, Housekeeping, and Food and Beverage departments. A purposive and snowball sampling technique was used to select 120 participants from a variety of hotels within the city. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data regarding posture-related discomfort, considering factors such as demographic details and work-related conditions. The results revealed that housekeeping staff experienced the highest levels of discomfort, particularly in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and legs. The discomforts were primarily linked to prolonged periods of standing, awkward postures, repetitive tasks, and limited rest breaks. Front Office and Food and Beverage department staff also reported discomfort, but to a lesser degree. For Gender t-value was 3.69 and for Family type, the t-value was 2.63 which were found significant (α=0.05). For Age, F value was 3.73 and for and Work Experience, F value was 6.71 which was found to be significant (α= 0.05). The study emphasizes the need for ergonomic improvements such as adjusting workstations, providing anti-fatigue mats, and offering posture correction training to alleviate physical strain. These findings offer valuable insights that can assist hotel management in enhancing workplace conditions and promoting employee well-being.