Analysis of Job Stress Factors Among Domestic Office Workers - Utilizing Random Forest Method Based on the 7th Working Environment Survey Data

Objective: This study aims to clarify the factor structure of job stress among South Korean office workers by applying a multidimensional, data-driven approach to nationally representative survey data.<br/>Background: Previous research on occupational stress has predominantly focused on psychosocial risk factors such as inadequate rewards, organizational culture, and emotional demands. However, these approaches have often overlooked structural and physical conditions specific to office-based jobs, including ergonomic strain and employment instability.<br/>Method: Using data from the 7th Korean Working Conditions Survey, we analyzed responses from 981 office workers. A Random Forest classification model was implemented to evaluate the relative importance of multiple job-related variables in predicting high stress levels. Variables were drawn from validated theoretical models and included job security, working hours, colleague relationship, and etc.<br/>Results: The analysis revealed that posture-related fatigue, job insecurity, time pressure, and lack of coworker support were the most influential predictors of job stress in this population. In contrast, factors such as inadequate compensation and negative workplace culture, which have often been highlighted in previous literature, appeared less relevant in this context.<br/>Conclusion: These findings suggest that the stress structure of office workers differs meaningfully from patterns reported in prior occupational studies. Physical and structural job conditions, particularly ergonomic strain and employment instability, may play a more decisive role in perceived stress than conventional psychosocial factors alone.<br/>Application: The results highlight the need for occupational stress interventions that prioritize ergonomic improvements, reduction of posture-related fatigue, and enhancement of employment stability, alongside strengthening coworker support. Organizational policies focused solely on rewards or culture may therefore be insufficient for effectively reducing stress in office environments.