Workplace Burnout in Zimbabwe’s Coal Mining Sector: Human Resource Challenges and the Role of Counselling Interventions in Enhancing Organisational Performance

This study examined workplace burnout in Zimbabwe’s coal mining sector, focusing on human resource challenges and the role of counselling interventions in enhancing organisational performance. Guided by an interpretivist research philosophy, the study adopted a qualitative approach and employed a case study design to explore employees’ experiences in selected coal mining organizations in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Using purposive sampling, twenty-five participants, including operational workers, supervisors, and human resource personnel, were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed thematically. The study revealed a high prevalence of workplace burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and psychological strain. Major contributors to burnout included excessive workload, long working hours, hazardous working conditions, job insecurity, poor management practices, and limited career development opportunities. The study further established a strong negative relationship between burnout and organisational performance, as burnout contributed to reduced productivity, increased workplace errors and accidents, absenteeism, low employee morale, and higher turnover intentions. The findings also showed that existing human resource practices were largely reactive and inadequate in addressing employee well-being, with limited structured counselling services. However, counselling interventions improved employees’ coping mechanisms, resilience, and psychological well-being. The study concludes that integrating proactive counselling interventions into HR practices can reduce burnout and enhance organisational performance.   Received:  23 May  2026 / Accepted: 30 June  2026 / Published: July 2026