Job Stress and Coping Strategies Adopted by Employees Working at Private University

Abstract

Introduction: Work related stress is the response – people may have when presented with work demands that are not matched to their knowledge and skills. Pressure at workplace is unavoidable due to the demands of contemporary work environment, when the pressure becomes excessive may leads to stress. Stress can damage an employee’s performance, health and quality of life. Job stress may well coped with variety of coping methods, while coping refers to thoughts and actions used to deal with threatening situation, and positive coping strategies are helpful in management of job related stress. Thus the present study was carried out to assess the job stress and coping strategies adopted by the employees. Material and Methods: A descriptive study with cross sectional survey approach was undertaken in the constituent units of Private University of rural area. A total of 134 employees who had more than one year of work experience were selected with the help of stratified random sampling technique, and structured interview schedule was used to collect the data (45 to 60 minutes). The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics wherever required. Results: Results revealed that a significant percent (31%) had mild level of stress while the remaining did not have any stress, and the mean score was (17.4 ± 10.34). In relation to coping strategies adopted, one fourth (25%) had partially adoptive coping while three fourth (75%) had completely adaptive coping and the mean score was (173±18.5). A positive correlation was found between job stress and coping strategies adopted. Conclusion: Majority of employees working at the constituent units of Private University did not have job related stress however significant percent had mild level job stress, while the employees had completely adoptive coping strategy. It was recommended to conduct refreshment/sensitization programmes for the stress management.