Stress factors related to working conditions: what telemarketing attendants have to say

Abstract

The high turnover and the increased incidence of mental disorders among telemarketing workers result from the burdensome work they are submitted to. This article evaluated the organizational and psychosocial factors related to stress and psychic suffering perceived by the attendants of a telemarketing company. A questionnaire was used to assess stress at work and a focal group was created for the discussion and identification of key categories related to psychological distress among these workers. The lack of control and autonomy were the main factors related to stress and psychic suffering in both quantitative and qualitative instruments used in this study. In the perception of the attendants, the aspects related to career and recognition, support and leadership, relationships and peer support are relevant to the mental health of these individuals.