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Work-Related Psychosocial Stress in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: An Integrative Review

Author

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  • Elena Christina Schreibauer

    (Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany)

  • Melina Hippler

    (Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
    Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany)

  • Stephanie Burgess

    (Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany)

  • Monika A. Rieger

    (Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany)

  • Esther Rind

    (Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany)

Abstract

Background : Work-related psychosocial stress can cause mental and physical illnesses resulting in high costs for the individual, the economy and society. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employ the majority of the world’s workforce and often have fewer financial and human resources compared to larger businesses. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on work-related stress in SMEs according to well-established guidelines categorizing psychosocial factors at work. Methods : A systematic database search was carried out in PubMed, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX and Business Source Premiere from March to June 2019, updated in January 2020. Data of included studies were analyzed and mapped into five themes: “work content and task”, “organization of work”, “social relations”, “working environment” and “new forms of work”. Results : After full-text screening, 45 out of 116 studies were included for data extraction. Studies were very heterogeneous and of varying quality, mostly applying a cross-sectional study design. Psychosocial factors in SMEs have been researched with a focus on the work patterns “work organization” and “work content and task”. Conclusions : This review underlines the need for more and better quality research of psychosocial factors in SMEs, particularly in relation to ongoing and new challenges in the workplace, including stressors related to the process of digitalization or the development of safe working conditions during the emerge of new infectious diseases.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Christina Schreibauer & Melina Hippler & Stephanie Burgess & Monika A. Rieger & Esther Rind, 2020. "Work-Related Psychosocial Stress in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: An Integrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:20:p:7446-:d:427117
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    2. Emma Motrico & Jose A. Salinas-Perez & Maria Luisa Rodero-Cosano & Sonia Conejo-Cerón, 2021. "Editors’ Comments on the Special Issue “Social Determinants of Mental Health”," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-9, April.
    3. Caterina Primi & Monica Giuli & Emanuele Baroni & Vanessa Zurkirch & Matteo Galanti & Laura Belloni & Costanza Gori & Maria Anna Donati, 2023. "The Individual- and Organization-Related Stressors in Pandemic Scale for Healthcare Workers (IOSPS-HW): Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Instrument to Assess Individual and Organizatio," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-17, February.
    4. Ella Arensman & Cliodhna O’Connor & Caleb Leduc & Eve Griffin & Grace Cully & Doireann Ní Dhálaigh & Carolyn Holland & Chantal Van Audenhove & Evelien Coppens & Fotini Tsantila & Victoria Ross & Birgi, 2022. "Mental Health Promotion and Intervention in Occupational Settings: Protocol for a Pilot Study of the MENTUPP Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-21, January.

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