Work-related stress among health professionals working in Swiss hospitals, nursing homes and home care organisations: an analysis of stressors, stress reactions and long-term consequences of stress at work among Swiss health professionals

Health systems around the globe are struggling with the shortage of health professionals, and stress at work further exacerbates this problem. This thesis investigated stressors, stress reactions and long-term consequences among different health professional disciplines and hierarchical positions, including health professionals’ self-reports and external observations. Existing work-private life conflicts, lacking opportunities for development and the behaviour of the direct line manager were identified as relevant stressors and associated with health professionals’ stress symptoms, job satisfaction as well as health and motivation to remain at work. In addition, health professional leaders play an important role in reducing work-related stress among their employees, and results of this thesis indicate where there is a need to intervene to improve working conditions. However, further knowledge is important regarding longitudinal data and intervention studies.