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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Netshitanzwani, Ronewa"
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Item Open Access Exploring the effects of occupational related stress on employees: A case of selected company in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province(2026-05-19) Netshitanzwani, Ronewa; Sekgobela, T.; Sibisi, L.Occupational stress is a global concern and a significant threat to the well-being of employees and their mental health. Employees across different professions continue to experience occupational-related stress that has destructive consequences for themselves, their families, clients, and employers. Despite attempts to address occupational-related stress, employees continue to suffer significantly under their occupational obligations. Occupational stress is a growing problem that affects every employee across professions. Employees are complaining about toxic occupational environments that involve excessive working hours, burnout, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Occupational stress arises when the demands of the occupational environment exceed employee’s capacities and their ability to cope. The aim of the study was to explore the effects of occupational-related stress on employee’s mental health: A case of selected company in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, with an exploratory design, to gain an in-depth and insightful understanding of the phenomenon. The population consisted of 15 purposively selected employees representing diverse demographic and educational backgrounds. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews to ensure inclusivity. The interview guide served as the data collection instrument for the study, while ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly observed. The study employed non-probability sampling to recruit participants. The ecological approach was suitable and employed to provide a foundation and background to the study. Occupationally related stress was found to produce interconnected mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression symptoms, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, irritability, and cognitive strain. Common mental health issues, such as emotional fatigue and substance use, further highlighted the depth of occupational-related stress impact. Employees adopted both adaptive coping strategies, such as physical exercise, mindfulness, and social support, and maladaptive strategies, including avoidance and substance use. Leadership support and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) were accessed but often perceived as insufficient, with participants emphasizing the importance of face-to-face counselling. The study concluded that stronger wellness programs, effective workload management, and managerial training are essential to address occupational stress. Recommendations included providing on-site mental health support, promoting work-life balance, and introducing recreational and wellness activities to foster resilience and reduce stress.