Experiences of work-related stress among highly stressed municipal employees in rural northern Sweden.

PURPOSE

The aim of this qualitative study was to describe experiences of work-related stress among highly stressed municipal employees in rural northern Sweden.

METHODS

We interviewed 15 employees in the municipal sector in rural northern Sweden using a semi-structured guide and subjected the interviews to qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Under the main theme of , we summarized four themes: and high demands due to lack of time and resources; , trapped, and ignored due to lack of control; , insecure, and guilty due to challenging relations and high expectations; and such as health problems, spillover effects on family life, and difficulty coping.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study suggest the importance of acknowledging suffering among municipal employees in a stressful work environment. An imbalance between job demands and resources is affecting both health and family lives of employees, and also their ability to work. It seems important to improve the work environment through supportive leadership, job control, and reasonable job demands to prevent stress, reduce suffering, and create a healthy organization.