Work Stress and Burnout for Greek Army Staff: The Job Satisfaction and Quality of life Measurements

Abstract

The military environment has unique stressors. This study examines the relationship among job stress, quality of life, job satisfaction, job burnout. Additionally, it attempts to identify the main occupational stressors and to detect possible correlations with gender, age group and origin (Officers and NCOs).

The sample size of the study was 84 personnel who work or have worked in the armed forces. The empirical material was collected online using a questionnaire comprising a scale of 123 questions. In addition to the demographic data, the questions were structured in such a way that they led us to identify occupational stressors and draw conclusions about the level of perceived job stress.

Professional military personnel showed high satisfaction with their quality of life. Respondents with higher levels of stress reported lower perceptions of their quality of life. The degree of work stress experienced by uniformed personnel is a function of specific work factors and demographic characteristics. The data presented suggest that work stress may pose a significant structural threat to the organization itself, because it affects not only the mental and physical health of its personnel, but also negatively affects the very ability to fulfil the mission of the troops.