What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to assess work-related stress and identify factors leading to inefficiency in an ICT company using focus groups.

May 3, 2026Journal of Public Health0 citationsOpen Access

The focus group as a tool for assessing work-related stress, identification of factors leading to workers inefficiency and setting priorities for action in an ICT company

LCLeandro Casini MCMarta Chiappetta MMMaria Vittoria Manai

Puntos clave

The aim is to assess work-related stress and identify factors leading to inefficiency in an ICT company using focus groups.
Conducted eight focus groups with 64 workers (38 females, 26 males) from various departments.
Selected groups based on organizational structure, subjective assessments, and identified stress sources.
Analyzed discussions for insights into the corporate climate, identity, and employee sense of belonging.
Active participation led to comprehensive discussions covering work nature, organizational dynamics, and managerial practices.
Key insights included the importance of corporate climate and organizational identity for employee well-being.
Identified critical organizational issues contributing to stress that were overlooked in initial investigations.

Resumen

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to assess work-related stress, identification of factors leading to workers inefficiency and setting priorities for action in an ICT company, using the focus groups as a specific tool. Methods Eight focus groups were carried out. In particular, the following groups were selected to undergo further investigation through focus groups: 1) Homogeneous groups linked to the organizational structure, identified as "critical" on the basis of objective evaluation, such as Direction Service Personnel Administration Department. 2) Homogeneous groups linked to the type of activity carried out (job family), identified as "critical" following the subjective assessment, including Project Manager and Consulting. 3) Homogeneous groups linked to the type of activity carried out (job family), identified as typically "critical" in the literature, as they are subjected to the following sources of stress: Relationship with the customer, Human–machine activity without interaction with third parties. Results The survey activities conducted through Focus Groups were characterized by the active and enthusiastic participation of the 64 workers involved (38 females, 26 males). The discussions generated a wide range of analytical and reflective points, encompassing all the main aspects of company practices—from the nature of the work itself to organizational, managerial, communication, and training dynamics. Among the most significant insights to emerge were those concerning the corporate climate, organizational identity, and the sense of belonging experienced by employees. These elements proved to be crucial in understanding the psychosocial dimensions of the workplace and their impact on workers’ well-being. Conclusions The qualitative analysis conducted through focus groups proved to be particularly effective in identifying organizational issues that contribute to stress among workers. This methodological approach made it possible to detect critical aspects that had not emerged during the initial phases of investigation, which had been based primarily on the analysis of indicators, sentinel events, structured questionnaires, and interviews with management.

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