Abstract:
Wellbeing of the mental and physical health of human capital in any business concern is of utmost importance. HIV and AIDS has been a major problem in the current world of human health. HIV and AIDS has had an impact on productivity of various industrial sectors. This study evaluated the effects of HIV and AIDS in the tea sector in Kericho. The main purpose of the study was to find out the impact that HIV and AIDS has on organization productivity of tea industry in Kericho County. The objectives of the study were; to determine the effects of HIV/ AIDS in individual’s labour productivity, to determine the effect of HIV/ AIDS on employee’s organization’s productivity and to establish the challenges facing organization in relation to HIV/ AIDS. The study sampled 60 personnel in the management level of James Finlay tea limited in Kericho County. Management was selected because they understand the issues concerning employee health. The research used stratified random sampling to get the study sample. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaires were administered in hard copy and collected after two days. This ensured that there was a high response rate of the sampled population. The questionnaire tested several variables that were affected by HIV and AIDS among employees. HIV and AIDS caused the rate of absenteeism to goo high in an organization. From the study findings, it was concluded that HIV/AIDS affects productivity of James Finlay in Kericho County. However, it was evident that its effects on productivity varied in various ways some considered to have a large impact while others considered to have a moderate impact. This was evident from the way respondents replied to questions and the analysis arising thereof. Absenteeism due to sick leave had the largest impact on productivity while increased customer dissatisfaction was considered to have the least impact on productivity of James Finlay in Kericho County. The study recommended that organizations look into ways of helping infected employees cope with their condition of HIV and AIDS. It was further recommended that organizations improve ways of treating employees who are affected by HIV and AIDS.
