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).