Stress and Coping Strategies among Bankers in the Tema Metropolis

Abstract

The nature of work of bankers and family life may most often expose them to high level of stress which has the potential of affecting their productive capacity. This study therefore sought to find out the stress and coping strategies of bankers in Tema. This study adopted a mixed method to investigate the nature of stress and the coping strategies adopted by Bankers in the Tema Metropolis. Data for the study were collected from the field using interview schedules and questionnaires. Findings from the study show the existence of high level of stress among the Bankers. The sources of stress among the bankers range from the upbringing of their children, their families to the nature of their work. In terms of coping strategies of stress, it was revealed that the respondents indulge in religious activities, exercises, share with friends, use medicinal therapies, counseling and social gathering. The need for appropriate mechanisms to be put in place by the managements of the banks to address the counseling needs of employees is indicated by the findings. Also, organization of seminars for employees to help broaden their minds on stress coping strategies as well as to keep them abreast with the changing trend of issues is very essential to help reduce their stress levels.

Keywords: Stress, Coping, bankers