Title: Psychosocial risk factors in telecommunications service providers in Greece

Authors: Gianna Diakoumi; Panagiota Katsakiori; Eva Sgourou; Stavros Goutsos

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Patras University, Rion, Greece ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Patras University, Rion, Greece ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Patras University, Rion, Greece ' Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Patras University, Rion, Greece

Abstract: This study aims to identify the psychosocial risk factors as perceived by telecommunication sector's employees during the period of economic crisis in Greece. A questionnaire was developed and answered by a sample of 222 employees from eight telecommunications service providers. Results revealed the deterioration of the employment terms and its effect on the health of employees. High levels of work-related stress were reported by employees of both sexes and stress was correlated to job demands, inequalities and harassment, and to lack of trust, control and role clarification. Correlation of work-related stress with health problems was also identified. Female respondents reported more problems related to backache, muscular pains and headaches, while male respondents reported more problems related to stomach aches. The present study contributes on the development of research, related to the existence and outcomes of psychosocial risks during the period of economic recession and it could help employers in identifying areas where prevention efforts should be directed.

Keywords: psychosocial risks; work-related stress; human factors; gender differences; job insecurity; telecommunications service providers; Greece; job security; financial crisis; economic crisis; employment terms; employee health; job demands; inequality; harassment; lack of trust; lack of control; role clarification; backache; muscular pains; headaches; stomach aches; gender; economic recession.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2014.067836

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2014 Vol.3 No.2, pp.170 - 187

Received: 20 Jun 2014
Accepted: 17 Nov 2014

Published online: 18 Mar 2015 *

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