MGNREGS dataset

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a vital social security program in India, aims to enhance rural livelihoods, but the psychosocial dynamics influencing its effectiveness are under-investigated. This study examines the critical interplay between co-worker support, social loafing, and Quality of Life (QoL) among its beneficiaries. Using a cross-sectional design, this research surveyed 99 MGNREGS workers in Kerala, with validated instruments: the Co-Worker Support Scale, the WHOQOL-BREF and the Social Loafing Scale. Statistical analysis revealed that co-worker support has a strong negative correlation with overall social loafing (r = -0.431, p < .001). Conversely, a significant positive correlation was found between co-worker support and the overall QoL composite score (r = 0.270, p = .007), particularly impacting physical and environmental QoL. The Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed high levels of co-worker support are associated with significantly lower social loafing (χ² = 19.24, p < .001). In conclusion, co-worker support is a crucial mitigator of social loafing and a key contributor to worker QoL. The findings highlight the need for policies fostering a supportive, collaborative environment. Interventions like team-building and clear accountability frameworks can enhance productivity, well-being, and the scheme's overall efficacy.