HSM400
ASSIGNMENT SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
Health and Safety Management IV
Question 1. Critically evaluate current workplace stress–reduction strategies in
South Africa
(Use findings from the Robert Walters survey and Goetsch (2015).)
Introduction
Workplace stress is a psychosocial hazard that damages employees’ mental health and
reduces organisational performance. A Robert Walters poll of ~2,000 professionals
found that roughly three in five employees reported a decline in mental health due to
work-related stress (63% reported workplace-related stress; 35% identified
workload/type of work as the biggest triggers). The survey also reported that many
employees believe employers are not doing enough, and that stress is frequent (many
respondents experience symptoms multiple times per workweek).
1.1 Analysis of the primary causes of workplace stress among South African
employees
1. Excessive workload and unrealistic deadlines. The survey identifies workload
and the nature of the work as top triggers (35% flagged workload). Heavy
workloads increase cognitive and time demands, leading to chronic stress.
2. Long working hours and intensity of work. Extended hours reduce recovery
time and amplify fatigue and burnout. The survey notes frequent reoccurring
stress during the workweek.
3. Unclear job expectations and role ambiguity. Ambiguity about duties and
performance standards raises anxiety and interpersonal friction; the survey
explicitly lists unclear expectations as a contributing factor.
4. Job insecurity and economic pressures. In South Africa’s high-
unemployment, high-inequality context, fear of job loss and financial strain
magnify workplace stressors (employees may feel they cannot refuse overtime or
voice concerns). The survey’s reference to job insecurity underlines this.
ASSIGNMENT SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, lOMoARcPSD|18222662
Health and Safety Management IV
Question 1. Critically evaluate current workplace stress–reduction strategies in
South Africa
(Use findings from the Robert Walters survey and Goetsch (2015).)
Introduction
Workplace stress is a psychosocial hazard that damages employees’ mental health and
reduces organisational performance. A Robert Walters poll of ~2,000 professionals
found that roughly three in five employees reported a decline in mental health due to
work-related stress (63% reported workplace-related stress; 35% identified
workload/type of work as the biggest triggers). The survey also reported that many
employees believe employers are not doing enough, and that stress is frequent (many
respondents experience symptoms multiple times per workweek).
1.1 Analysis of the primary causes of workplace stress among South African
employees
1. Excessive workload and unrealistic deadlines. The survey identifies workload
and the nature of the work as top triggers (35% flagged workload). Heavy
workloads increase cognitive and time demands, leading to chronic stress.
2. Long working hours and intensity of work. Extended hours reduce recovery
time and amplify fatigue and burnout. The survey notes frequent reoccurring
stress during the workweek.
3. Unclear job expectations and role ambiguity. Ambiguity about duties and
performance standards raises anxiety and interpersonal friction; the survey
explicitly lists unclear expectations as a contributing factor.
4. Job insecurity and economic pressures. In South Africa’s high-
unemployment, high-inequality context, fear of job loss and financial strain
magnify workplace stressors (employees may feel they cannot refuse overtime or
voice concerns). The survey’s reference to job insecurity underlines this.
