Occupational stress

dilemmas of managers of a philanthropical hospital

Abstract

Managers who work in the health area, depending on the nature of their work, are subjected to excessive tensions in the development of their activities, which can cause manifestations of stress and compromise the physical and mental health of these professionals. This research aimed to describe and analyze the manifestations associated with stress at work, in the perception of managers who work in a philanthropic hospital that serves the SUS and the private network. The research was characterized as descriptive, with a qualitative approach through a case study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with managers at the strategic and intermediate levels and the data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. The results revealed that the work context has important sources of tension, capable of causing occupational stress, the main ones being related to organizational changes, excessive pressures in relation to work, management of unpredictable and/or complex situations. These sources of tension have been causing physical and psychological manifestations in managers such as insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, irritability and panic syndrome. Some organic manifestations were observed that may be related to occupational stress, such as gastritis, psoriasis, high blood pressure and physical fatigue. The main indicators of impact at work observed were wear and tear on interpersonal relationships at work and outside of work, difficulties related to concentration and memory, and a drop in productivity. The stress coping strategies most used by managers were balance between work and personal life, pursuit of self-control, greater work planning and the practice of physical activities.