STRESS FACTORS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN RETAIL BANKING SECTOR OF KARACH

Abstract

This report provides you with the complete information about job stress in the retail banking of Karachi. The key factors of this job stress are discussed in the report along with its effect on employee health, turnover and performance which are the dependent variables of the study. The data was gathered through some secondary sources such as internet while some primary sources were also used. A focus group was conducted to get the possible reasons for stress in retail banking of Karachi which became the independent variables of the study. Moreover, a survey was done on 209 bankers through a questionnaire to check whether these variables existed or not and their core relations with stress. Moreover, the impact of this job stress was tested on the dependent variables mentioned above. Interviews with the banking expert was also taken to get the management view and finally a psychologist was also interviewed to check the relevance of stress in the banking sector and what can be done regarding it. The results of the study showed some mixed opinions and this is why it is safe to say that stress is an individual phenomenon and everyone sees it differently. This is the reason why people reported different symptoms as some people has headaches while others had sleep disturbances etc. Key factors of job stress in retail banking that were identified from the focus group were work load, job insecurity, long working hours, Management problems, targets, professional growth, pay and benefits and lack of autonomy . The interview with the banking expert brought a different point of view and they defended the management as they explained that targets are set according to capabilities and it is the people who are lazy and who want to adopt short cuts to achieve success in life. However, Psychologist accepted the existence of job stress and gave some useful tips such as exercising and taking breaks etc.