Assessment of occupational stress and its impact on employee health and productivity among oil and gas exploration and production plant workers: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: Occupational stress is a significant concern in high-risk industries such as oil and gas exploration, where demanding roles and hazardous environments can adversely affect employee health and productivity. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational stress and its impact on employee well-being and productivity among workers at an exploration and production plant in Kakinada, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 149 employees aged 18–60 years, selected using the systematic random sampling from various departments. Standardized tools, including the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised, Job Descriptive Index, and Hersey and Goldsmith Productivity Questionnaire, were used to assess occupational stress, job satisfaction, and productivity. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were used for data interpretation. Results: The key occupational stressors identified were role overload (RO) (mean = 3.15, standard deviation [SD] =1.23) and Role Ambiguity (Mean = 3.12, SD = 1.04). A negative correlation between RO and job satisfaction was also observed. In contrast, interpersonal relationships (IR) showed a positive correlation with job satisfaction and productivity, highlighting the importance of a supportive work environment. Conclusion: RO and ambiguity are significant occupational stressors that negatively affect job satisfaction and productivity among oil and gas plant workers. Supportive IR can enhance these outcomes. Targeted interventions to reduce role stress and improve workplace relationships are essential to enhance employee health and organizational performance