Job Stress in Teaching Profession in Malaysia: A Recent Comprehensive Structured Review

This systematic literature review investigates job stress among teachers in Malaysia, examining various social, environmental, and professional stressors that contribute to mental and physical strain in the teaching profession. Job stress in this context has been increasingly recognized as a critical issue, particularly in light of pandemic-driven shifts to digital and hybrid learning environments, economic challenges, and heightened expectations of teachers’ roles. Key findings reveal that stressors such as inadequate resources, excessive workload, and low technological support intersect with socio-demographic factors, including gender and socioeconomic status, significantly impacting teachers’ job satisfaction, mental health, and professional resilience. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, increasing teachers’ responsibilities and their stress levels, especially among educators in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions. To achieve this, we extensively searched scholarly articles from reputable databases such as Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), focusing on studies published between 2022 and 2024. The study’s flow is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. The database yielded (n = 30) final primary data and was analysed. The findings were divided into three themes: (1) Mental Health and Well-Being of Teachers, (2) Technological Challenges and Digital Communication in Education, and (3) Social and Environmental Stressors Impacting Educators. This review concludes that a holistic approach involving government, educational institutions, and community stakeholders is essential to mitigate job stress in the teaching profession, promote teacher well-being, and improve educational outcomes in Malaysia. Future research directions are recommended to focus on innovative and localized strategies that empower educators to navigate job stressors effectively, contributing to a sustainable educational environment.