An Analysis of 19 International Case Studies of Stress Prevention Through Work Reorganization Using the Demand/Control Model

Abstract

Nineteen international case studies of workplace stress prevention initiatives are analyzed. The focus of these cases, which span a variety of workplaces and locations, is on preventing stress through work reorganization rather than remedial approaches for stress relief. It is found that the majority of the occupations represented in the case studies can be categorized as high-strain jobs according to the demand/control model. Common trends in terms of why the interventions were initiated and by whom, the type of intervention chosen, and the results are analyzed. It is found that in general, worker participation, open communication between labor and management, and a learning approach to stress are keys to preventing stress at work and also tend to increase productivity.