Abstract

Author: Michaela Sabina Kling

Title: Unga kvinnliga chefers kamp mot utmattning: En kvalitativ studie av bidragande organisatoriska och psykosociala riskfaktorer

Course: Master Thesis in Occupational Health Science

University: University of Gävle, SwedenAim: The aim of this study was to investigate factors in the organizational and psychosocial work environment that young female managers experienced as contributing to their sick leave due to work-related stress.

Method: Eight participants aged 20-40 took part in qualitative semi-structured interviews, where the results were compiled in a content analysis.

Main results: This study found that factors in the organizational and psychosocial work environment were related to their work role, work environment culture, organizational support functions, organizational changes, workload, and their own leadership. This led to negative effects on both their mental and physical health, as well as on their work ability and productivity.

Conclusion: In systematic work environment management, the work environment of managers must be highlighted, as they are often overlooked today. The organization has an important role to play in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone, including the manager, can feel comfortable raising problems, demanding better conditions, and asking for help. With access to concrete tools such as mentorship and stress management courses, knowledge can be increased and the conditions for sustainable leadership can be improved, making young managers feel secure in their work roles.

Keywords: Exhaustion syndrome, organizational support, workload, work environment, young female leader