Occupational stress and its consequences: Implications for health policy and management

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the status of occupational stress among a sample of hospital employees in Iran. It further intended to reveal the harmful effects of occupational stress on employees’ health and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional research design. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data from hospital employees.

Findings

Job-related, working environment, interpersonal and organisational factors were related to occupational stress. One-fourth of employees rated their occupational stress high. The major sources of occupational stress were inadequate pay, inequality at work, too much work, staff shortage, poor recognition and promotion, time pressure, job insecurity and lack of management support. High levels of occupational stress have been linked to an increased risk of physical injuries, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, depression and increases in negative personal behaviours such as anger, anxiety and irritability. Occupational stress was positively associated with employees’ turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are not generalisable to the wider population of hospital employees in Iran due to the small sample size. Thus, future research should involve additional samples.

Practical implications

The study has practical relevance for designing and implementing strategies to decrease occupational stress among hospital employees.

Originality/value

This article contributes to health care theory and practise by identifying factors contributing to employees’ occupational stress and examining the association between occupational stress and two important employee outcomes – health status and turnover intention.

Citation

Mohammad Mosadeghrad, A. (2014), "Occupational stress and its consequences: Implications for health policy and management", Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 224-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHS-07-2013-0032