EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS ON THE HEALTH AND WORK PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT

Abstract [English]

Occupational stress is a pervasive challenge in the banking industry, particularly among women employees who often shoulder dual professional and domestic responsibilities. This study examines the effects of occupational stress on the health and work performance of women employed in private sector banks, with a specific focus on the Thiruvananthapuram district. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research identifies key stresses such as work-life imbalance, job demands, organizational role conflict, and interpersonal challenges. The findings reveal significant correlations between stress exposure and adverse health outcomes, including anxiety, fatigue, and burnout. These health issues are found to negatively influence productivity, job satisfaction, and attendance. The study highlights the urgent need for gender-responsive HR policies, targeted stress management programs, and supportive institutional practices. By bridging empirical data with actionable insights, this research aims to inform organizational strategies and contribute to scholarly discourse on occupational stress in gendered work environments.