Stress and coping among University of Malta administrative, technical and industrial staff : a psychosocial audit

Abstract

Workplace stress has been acknowledged as one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work, with significant effects on both the physical and mental health of employees. This study used a quantitative methodology to assess the prevalence of workplace stress and its effects on the physical health, psychological distress, absenteeism, presenteeism and turnover intention of a sample of 110 University of Malta administrative, technical and industrial staff, as well as the coping behaviours primarily used to cope with stress. Results indicated that 30% of staff surveyed were experiencing worryingly high levels of stress, with increased stress associated with reduced physical health and increased psychological distress. Industrial staff were experiencing the most severe levels of stress overall, while findings for Managerial staff were significant in terms of increased levels of Demands stressors. Figures for absenteeism indicated that employees on average work 6% more than their contracted hours, although absenteeism increased as stress increased. No effect of stress on presenteeism was found, while the effects of stress on turnover intention showed clearly that increased stress was associated with increased turnover intention. Although employees in the sample were found to utilize a variety of coping behaviours, no clear relationships between stressors and coping behaviours or stressors and occupational categories were found. The study concludes with a number of short-term and long-term general recommendations for improving conditions within the University of Malta.