Investigating work‐related stress among health professionals at different hierarchical levels: A cross‐sectional study

AIM: To determine the extent of stress at work among health professionals working in upper‐, middle‐ and lower‐management positions and those not working in management positions. DESIGN: Cross‐sectional design and randomly selected hospitals, nursing homes and home care organizations. METHODS: The study sample included nursing staff and midwives, physicians, medical–technical and medical–therapeutic professionals at all hierarchical levels (N = 8,112). Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires and analysed using multiple regression models. RESULTS: Health professionals in upper‐ and middle‐management positions reported higher quantitative demands, severe work–private life conflicts (p < .05) as well as less role clarity in middle‐management positions (B = −1.58, p < .05). In lower‐management positions, health professionals reported higher physical (B = 3.80, p < .001) and emotional demands (B = 1.79, p < .01), stress symptoms (B = 1.81, p < .05) and job dissatisfaction (B = −1.17, p < .05). Health professionals without management responsibilities reported the poorest working conditions in relation to various stressors, job satisfaction (B = −5.20, p < .001) and health‐related outcomes (e.g. burnout symptoms: B = 1.89, p < .01).