WORKPLACE CONDITION AND OCCUPATIONAL STRESS: AN INVESTIGATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRIES

ABSTRACT

Stress at work is an escapable and normal phenomenon. In an uncertain environment, the working style is changing at a whirlwind speed which leads to job-related stress and poses a threat to the health of employees and the organization's reputation. This study is interested in examining the relationship between a heavy workload, lack of opportunity to grow and lack of recognition of occupational stress among the group of administrative staff from the 3-star hotels in Klang Valley.  This study also examines which of the independent variables contribute most to occupational stress.   The questionnaire, through Google form, was forwarded to 200 targeted respondents and only 131 were returned, equivalent to 65.5% response return rate. The raw data was analyzed through SMART PLS. This study found that only heavy workload (p = 0.000) and opportunity to grow (p = 0.004) have a significant relationship with occupational stress among these groups of respondents, whilst lack of recognition (p = 0.707) has no relationship with occupational stress. It was also found that heavy workload is the variable that contributed most to occupational stress. The findings show some differences from findings discovered by past researchers. It might be due to the differences in terms of culture and also to the number of respondents in the study. It is suggested that some form of reward and benefits should be given to motivate the employees. When employees have high motivation, they tend to feel happy and are more willing to work, be more committed and show more interest in their job function.