Hierarchies of health: health and work-related stress of managers in municipalities and county councils in Sweden.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of poor health and stress among male and female managers working at different levels in the public sector. A cross-sectional study using register data. A modified Poisson regression approach was used to examine the risk of stress and illness in relation to management level and sex; 1088 managers participated and were categorized into different management levels and sexes. The results showed a clear hierarchy of health in relation to managerial level and sex with several significant statistical differences. Women with lower-level management positions suffered to a greater extent from poor health and stress. Organizations should focus not only on developing individuals in their managerial roles but also on improving the conditions that allow managers to remain healthy and less stressed.