Investigating work-related stress among health professionals at different hierarchical levels: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To determine the extent of stress at work among health professionals working
in upper-, middle- and lower-management positions and those not working in management positions.
Design: Cross-sectional design and randomly selected hospitals, nursing homes and
home care organizations.
Methods: The study sample included nursing staff and midwives, physicians, medical–
technical and medical–therapeutic professionals at all hierarchical levels (N = 8,112).
Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analysed using multiple regression models.
Results: Health professionals in upper- and middle-management positions reported
higher quantitative demands, severe work–private life conflicts (p < .05) as well as
less role clarity in middle-management positions (B = −1.58, p < .05). In lower-management positions, health professionals reported higher physical (B = 3.80, p < .001)
and emotional demands (B = 1.79, p < .01), stress symptoms (B = 1.81, p < .05) and
job dissatisfaction (B = −1.17, p < .05). Health professionals without management
responsibilities reported the poorest working conditions in relation to various stressors, job satisfaction (B = −5.20, p < .001) and health-related outcomes (e.g. burnout
symptoms: B = 1.89, p < .01).
KEYWORDS
nurses, nursing, stress, work, workforce