The Impact of Work-Related Stress on Quality of Life (QoL) and Psychological Wellbeing among Day and Night Shift Workers

This study analyzes the effects of work related stress on quality of life and psychological well-being among day and night shift workers in Telecommunication Industry. The main objectives were to identify the intensity of work related stress between day and night shift workers, along with effects of work related stress on quality of life and psychological well-being. A cross-sectional, quantitative study design was employed, using purposive sampling to gather data from 400 workers, working in day and night shift among telecommunication sector in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data was collected utilizing the Workplace Stress Scale (WSS) (Marlin Company & American Institute of Stress, 2001), Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mubashir et al., 2024) and Ryff`s Psychological Wellbeing Scale (Ryff & Keyes, 1995). Correlation analysis, linear regression and ANOVA were administered. Results indicated that Work related stress was negatively correlated with quality of life (r = -0.32, p < .000) and psychological wellbeing (r = -0.30, p < .000). Regression analysis showed that work related stress significantly impacts quality of life (β = -.54, p < 0.00) and psychological wellbeing (β = -1.08, p < 0.00). These results showed that higher work related stress leads to decline in quality of life and psychological wellbeing of employees. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the intensity of work related stress between day shift (M = 18.44) and night shift (M = 18.52) workers although the quality of life of night shift workers (M = 11.51) was observed to be lower than day shift workers (M = 54.23). Moreover, increased number of working hours; 12-14 (M = 21.41) was negatively associated with work related stress. Given the limited research on this relationship and in telecomm industry, this study focuses on empirical gap in the existing literature in Pakistan, stresses the need for the further research on this relationship and also to identify the confounding factors and specific stressors in work life.