A Qualitative Study on Factors Related to Job Stress for Fashion Corporation Employees: Focusing on Fashion Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

Abstract The fashion industry has distinctive characteristics. It is important to understand the specific working environment and unique problems at fashion corporations in order enhance employee efficiency. However, studies on job stress for fashion employees remain limited. This study used qualitative research to examine major job stress factors for fashion company workers. In-depth interviews were conducted on 6 respondents who work in various departments at fashion manufacturing companies. We identified task-related factors and structural factors as the two major job stress factors. Task-related factors consisted of 4 elements (necessity of massive knowledge, overtime·outside work, tight schedules, and organizational tasks); structural factors consisted of 3 elements (burden of sales outcome, formal relationships, and anxiety of salary·retirement). The results indicated that respondents consistently tried to gain knowledge about the latest trends and field experiences that caused mental and physical exhaustion due to the necessity of working late. Designers and workers in the sales department were constantly evaluated by their sales results compared to other workers that caused high levels of stress. Respondents answered that building relationships was an important factor in the fashion industry and sometimes felt that building formal relationships was more important than the ability to do work.