Authors: Mr. J. Dhileepan, Dr. S. Maruthavijayan
Abstract: Occupational stress is increasingly recognized as one of the most pressing challenges faced by employees in the Information Technology (IT) sector. The nature of IT work— characterized by long working hours, strict deadlines, high performance expectations, and the constant demand to acquire new technical skills—places employees under persistent psychological and physical strain. Stress of this kind not only hampers individual wellbeing but also adversely affects organizational outcomes such as productivity, employee morale, and staff retention. The present study therefore aims to measure the levels of occupational stress among IT professionals and to examine the key factors contributing to it, including workload, organizational support, break schedules, and work–life balance. A structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 200 IT employees, and the responses were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential techniques to establish patterns and correlations. The findings reveal that high workload, inadequate managerial or organizational support, and limited opportunities for rest or relaxation breaks are strongly correlated with elevated stress levels. Younger employees and those with fewer years of experience were found to be more vulnerable to stress, largely due to adjustment challenges and skill-upgrade pressures. The study suggests that organizations should adopt proactive measures such as structured stress-management programs, balanced workload distribution, and fostering supportive work environments to safeguard employee well-being and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
