Workplace stress, including the effects of workload and control
Workplace stress occurs when job demands feel unmanageable. Two key causes are having too much work (workload) and having too little say over how you do it (control).
Real World
Amazon warehouse workers have reported extreme workload pressure — packing hundreds of items per hour — combined with algorithmically monitored performance targets that leave little personal control, a combination Karasek's model predicts will cause the highest stress levels.
Exam Focus
When 'evaluate' workplace stress research, always reference the Marmot Whitehall study for supporting evidence on control.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
How well did you know this?