Levels of Occupational Stress in Call Center Employees and Software Professionals: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Occupational stress is a workplace hazard associated with a host of adverse physical, psychological, and social outcomes. It is a global issue with grave consequences for individuals and the economy. While all jobs have their hassles and pressure, some jobs are considered inherently more stressful than others because of the demands they place on their employee. The present study analyzed levels of occupational stress between call center employees and software professionals, both acknowledged as high-stress jobs. A total of 600 employees from call center companies (n = 300) and software firms (n = 300) were randomly selected to participate in the study. The mean age of the sample group was 26.24 years. The Occupational Stress Index (OSI) by Srivastav and Singh was used to measure occupational stress in the sample group. Results from independent sample t-test showed that call center employees reported a significantly higher level of stress across all occupational domains compared to software professionals. The findings emphasize the need for strategic assistance to help individuals working in stressful jobs develop abilities that mitigate the harmful effects of occupational stress.