A Study on Occupational Stress among Public Road Transport Sector Employees: Special Reference to KSRTC

Purpose: This research investigates the effect of occupational stress on employees of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), with a focus on figuring out the stress elements, their influence on employees’ well-being, and the resulting outcomes on job performance. KSRTC employees are experiencing excessive ranges of occupational stress due to excessive workload, irregular work shifts, absence of job security, limited decision-making authority, and delayed salaries. Understanding these stressors is essential to offer insights into enhancing organizational culture, worker welfare, and sustainable overall performance. Design/Methodology: This research paper applies a quantitative approach using survey-based data collection. The questionnaire was administered to KSRTC employees across different departments of Kottayam Depot using a convenience sampling method. Measurement scales for variables such as workload, time pressure, work control, decision authority, and job performance have been adapted from earlier literature and assessed on a five-point Likert scale. information was analyzed using SPSS 23, using Exploratory factor analysis, Reliability test, Correlation, ANOVA, independent t-test, and multiple Regression to determine relationships between occupational stressors and performance outcomes. Findings/Result: The findings reveal that all identified factors—workload, time pressure, work control, decision authority, and job performance—positively and significantly contribute to occupational stress amongst KSRTC employees. Amongst them, decision authority emerged as the strongest predictor (β = .368, p = .001), followed by workload, work control, job performance, and time pressure. Correlation analysis confirmed strong positive relationships, with decision authority showing the highest correlation (r = .701) and time pressure the lowest (r = .465). ANOVA results indicated that the regression- model was a good fit, validating the predictive impact of stressors on occupational stress. Independent t-test results suggested that, except for job performance (p = .046), other stress factors did not fluctuate substantially across demographic groups, implying that occupational stress is a widespread issue among KSRTC personnel. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the confined literature on occupational stress in India’s public transport sector, especially KSRTC, which plays an important role in Kerala’s economy and mobility. By analyzing both organizational and job-related stressors, the study gives sensible insights for policymakers and organizational leaders to design stress management strategies, enhance decision-making authority, and improve employee welfare programs. The findings highlight the significance of balancing operational needs with workers well-being to ensure organizational sustainability. Paper Type: Empirical Research.