Perceptions of work stress causes and effective interventions in employees working in public, private and non-governmental organisations: a qualitative study

To identify causes of stress at work as well as individual, organisational and personal interventions used by employees to manage stress in public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 employees from a range of organisations. Participants r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BJPsych Bulletin 2016-12, Vol.40 (6), p.318-325
Main Authors: Bhui, Kamaldeep, Dinos, Sokratis, Galant-Miecznikowska, Magdalena, de Jongh, Bertine, Stansfeld, Stephen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Appreciation
Effort-Reward imbalance
Employees
Exercise
Imbalance
Intervention
Management styles
NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations
Occupational stress
Original Papers
Qualitative research
Stress management
Transparency
Work
Working conditions
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Summary:To identify causes of stress at work as well as individual, organisational and personal interventions used by employees to manage stress in public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 employees from a range of organisations. Participants reported adverse working conditions and management practices as common causes of work stress. Stress-inducing management practices included unrealistic demands, lack of support, unfair treatment, low decision latitude, lack of appreciation, effort-reward imbalance, conflicting roles, lack of transparency and poor communication. Organisational interventions were perceived as effective if they improved management styles, and included physical exercise, taking breaks and ensuring adequate time for planning work tasks. Personal interventions used outside of work were important to prevent and remedy stress. Interventions should improve management practices as well as promoting personal interventions outside of the work setting.
ISSN:2056-4694
2056-4708
2053-4868
DOI:10.1192/pb.bp.115.050823