Managing Stress From a Systemic Perspective: Occupational Stress Models

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as a “state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Burnout results from chronic occupational stress that has not been well managed, and is the result of both systemic and personal factors. Systemic structures and planning to optimize work environments are the focus of occupational stress models. To effectively manage stress and avoid the detrimental effects of neglecting both its acute and chronic consequences (such as decreased productivity, low morale, interpersonal conflicts, absenteeism, and other negative outcomes), it is essential to examine various occupational stress models to determine root causes and identify issues at the work unit level. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(10):e287–e291.]