Are the size of the organizational units and the type of activities of an information technology company associated to the level of work-related stress indicators? Results of an observational study in Italy

Abstract

Abstract Aim Work-related stress is caused by many aspects related to the work organization and environment. The aim of this research was to assess, according to the INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) methodology, the stress factors in an information technology (IT) company, in order to detect possible improvement actions and monitor the impact of organizational change on individuals' physical and mental health. Subject and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, recruiting 39 senior executives of an IT company. Data were collected by interviews using the INAIL questionnaire on work-related stress (66 questions in three distinct groups: sentinel events, work content, and work context). Results The bivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between sentinel events and “work content” score (ῤ = 0.347; ῤ = 0.031) and between “work content” score and “work context” score (ῤ = 0.336; ῤ = 0.037). On the other hand, the regression analysis showed that “work content” score proved to be relevant in influencing sentinel events (β = 0.348; p = 0.030), and that “work context” score was influenced by the population belonging to the technical function (β = 0.389; p = 0.011). Conclusion The study showed that an instable work environment could increase stress levels. Furthermore, it was observed that the type of organizational unit does not increase the stress levels, whilst the type of activity does. Future work should explore support systems that could be improved to reduce stress and develop coping strategies among employees.