Authors : Joya Mari O. Agustin; Manuel V. Estera

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/653ke8p7

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/39uc4hfe

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul683

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Workplace stress is an inevitable concern in healthcare settings due to the demanding clinical responsibilities, organizational pressures and interpersonal dynamics. This study explored the workplace stressors experienced by healthcare employees and the coping mechanisms they employ to manage these challenges. Through the utilization of a qualitative method, the study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of participants' lived experiences and perspectives. Findings revealed that the healthcare employees experienced a range of stressors; their most experienced stressors are excessive workload, inadequate staffing, fatigue and insufficient rest, poor work-life balance due to tight schedules, interpersonal and emotional challenges, demanding patients and clients, resource limitations and organizational communication difficulties. These stressors negatively affected their work performance, leading to delays in timeliness and patient care, increased risk of error and compromised service quality, fatigue and exhaustion, reduced concentration and brain fog, inefficiencies and workflow disruptions and compromised quality of care and insufficient resources. To manage the stress, the participants employed coping mechanisms such as task prioritization and delegation, stress-relief and relaxation techniques, collaboration and seeking support, rest and physical recharge, resourcefulness and resilience, as well as calmness and communication. The participants further highlighted that these coping mechanisms were effective in restoring focus and mental clarity, regulating emotions, sustaining work performance, preventing medical errors, strengthening teamwork and protecting against burnout. Based on the findings, the study proposed organizational support mechanisms including workload reduction and task sharing, recognition and appreciation engagement, mental health and wellness programs, flexible workload arrangements, rest and recovery initiatives and community-building activities.

Keywords : Workplace Stressors, Coping Mechanisms, Healthcare Employees, Work Performance, Organizational Support

References :

1. Almazan, J. U., Albougami, A., & Alamri, M. (2019). Emotional labor and burnout among Filipino nurses: Mediating role of work environment. Philippine Journal of Nursing, 89(1), 50–57.
2. American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America™ 2022: Coping with ongoing stressors. APA. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022
3. Dator-Bercilla, J. A., & Escueta, M. A. (2021). Compensation challenges and stress among Filipino nurses in public hospitals. Philippine Journal of Health Systems Research, 16(2), 77–89.
4. Dayrit, M. M., Lagrada, L. P., Picazo, O. F., Pons, M. C., & Villaverde, M. C. (2018). The Philippines health system review. World Health Organization.
5. Department of Health, World Health Organization, & Australian Government. (2023, January 16). The Wellness Movement for Filipino healthcare workers. Manila: DOH.
6. Department of Health. (2020). National Health Workforce Accounts Philippines 2020. DOH Philippine https://www.doh.gov.ph
7. Department of Health. (2020). National Human Resources for Health Master Plan 2020–2040. DOH Health Policy Development Bureau. https://www.doh.gov.ph
8. Department of Health. (2021). Guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support for healthcare workers. DOH Philippines. https://www.doh.gov.ph
9. Department of Health. (2021). Mental health and psychosocial support for health workers: National policy framework. DOH Press. https://www.doh.gov.ph
10. Department of Health. (2023). Healthcare worker wellness programs and community engagement initiatives. https://www.doh.gov.ph
11. Garcia, L. M., & Olaguer, J. P. (2020). Workforce challenges and job stress among healthcare workers in the Bicol Region. Bicol Medical Journal, 17(2), 44–56.
12. International Labour Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, & World Health Organization. (2023). Working for Health Programme (2020–2023): Promoting decent work and protecting health workers. International Labour Organization. https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/industries-and-sectors/health-services-sector/ilo-oecd-who-working-health-programme-w4h
13. International Labour Organization. (2016). Workplace stress: A collective challenge. ILO Publications.
14. International Labour Organization. (2023). Flexible working hours can benefit work–life balance, businesses and productivity. https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/flexible-working-hours-can-benefit-work-life-balance-businesses-and-productivity
15. IntraHealth International. (2022). Strengthening respect and recognition for health workers: Strategies and recommendations. Chapel Hill, NC: IntraHealth International.
16. Kumar, S., & Sinha, P. (2021). Occupational stress and burnout among nurses in India: Contributing factors and coping strategies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 58(4), 120–128.
17. Labarda, C. E., & Baconguis, N. A. (2020). Coping strategies and resilience of Filipino frontliners: A nationwide study. Journal of Philippine Psychology, 53(1), 112–130.
18. Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer.
19. Mendoza, R. A., & Balverde, S. M. (2022). Resource shortages and role overload in rural hospitals of Sorsogon Province. Philippine Journal of Rural Health Care, 8(1), 19–30.
20. Ngeno, V., & Wamalwa, D. (2020). Work-related stress and coping mechanisms among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Health Studies, 12(3), 55–70.
21. O’Dowd, E., O’Connor, P., Lydon, S., et al. (2018). Stress, coping, and psychological resilience among physicians. BMC Health Services Research, 18, 730. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3541-8
22. Oducado, R. M. F., Rabacal, J. S., Moralista, R. B., & Tamdang, K. A. (2021). Perceived stress due to COVID-19 pandemic among employed professional nurses. International Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, 15, 305–316. https://doi.org/10.46661/ijeri.5284
23. Oducado, R. M. F., Rabacal, J. S., Moralista, R. B., & Tamdang, K. A. (2021). Perceived stress due to COVID-19 pandemic among employed professional nurses. International Journal of Educational Research and Innovation, 15, 305–316. https://doi.org/10.46661/ijeri.5284
24. Okoroafor, S. C., & Christmals, C. D. (2023). Optimizing the roles of health workers to improve access to health services in Africa: An implementation framework for task shifting and sharing. BMC Health Services Research, 23(843), 1–12.
25. Ong, M. M., & Neri, J. R. (2020). Occupational stressors among nurses in Philippine public hospitals: Implications for workforce support. Philippine Journal of Nursing, 90(2), 23–33.
26. Ortega, C. R., & Reyes, E. P. (2022). Faith-based coping and resilience among healthcare workers in Bicol during crisis periods. Journal of Filipino Psychology, 54(2), 77–93.
27. Richards, K., & Borg, L. (2021). Resilience programs and psychological support for European healthcare professionals. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 26(2), 89–102.
28. Villalobos, H. F., & De Claro, P. J. (2021). Wellness programs and coping interventions for provincial healthcare employees: A Bicol Region analysis. Philippine Hospital Management Review, 10(2), 56–69.
29. World Health Organization. (2007). Workers’ health: Global plan of action.
30. World Health Organization. (2019). Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn--out-an-“occupational-phenomenon”--icd-11
31. World Health Organization. (2019). Framework for action on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/framework-for-action-on-interprofessional-education-collaborative-practice
32. World Health Organization. (2020). Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak. WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-MentalHealth-2020.1
33. World Health Organization. (2020). State of the world’s nursing: Investing in education, jobs and leadership. WHO Press.
34. World Health Organization. (2021). Health workforce resilience and peer support networks. https://www.who.int/teams/health-workforce
35. World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health and psychosocial support for health workers: Policy brief. WHO Press.
36. World Health Organization. (2021). Patient Safety Action Framework 2021–2030: Towards eliminating avoidable harm in health care. WHO Press.
37. World Health Organization. (2022). Global strategy on human resources for health: Workforce 2030. WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241511131
38. World Health Organization. (2023). Guidance on planning, implementing and scaling up task sharing for contraceptive services. Geneva: WHO.
39. World Health Organization. (2024). Mental health at work: Policies and practices to promote psychological well-being. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
40. World Health Organization. (2024, April 25). Protecting health and care workers’ mental health and well-being: Technical consultation meeting. Geneva: WHO