Stress Management of Employees in Unorganized Sector in Thoothukudi

192 £UP® kupah fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; (kfspu;) fy;Y}up> jpUney;Ntyp gz;ila tuyhWk; jkpou; gz;ghLk; Stress Management of Employees in Unorganized Sector in Thoothukudi M. Antony Jenovin Ph.D Research Scholar (full-Time) PG & Research Department of Commerce Nazareth Margoschis college in pillaiyanmanai,Nazareth,Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India (This College is Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli) Dr. I. Immanuvel Nallathambi PG & Research Department of Commerce Nazareth Margoschis College in Pillaiyanmanai, Nazareth Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India Abstract In recent years, employee stress in the unorganized sector has become a critical concern for both management and employees in Thoothukudi. This study aims to examine the levels, sources, effects, and coping mechanisms of stress among employees working in organized sectors (such as banking, manufacturing, services, IT) in Thoothukudi. A mixed method design was adopted: quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires using standardized stress scales (Perceived Stress Scale, Job Demand Control model) from 300 employees across 10 organizations, and qualitative data was obtained via focus group discussions and interviews with supervisors and employees to explore stress experiences in depth. The findings show moderate to high levels of stress among employees, with major stressors being work overload, lack of work life balance, unclear role expectations, and insufficient organizational support. There is a statistically significant negative relation between stress levels and job satisfaction, performance, and mental well being. Coping strategies adopted by employees include time management, peer support, mindfulness/yoga, and seeking supervisory support. However, organizational initiatives for stress management were found to be inadequate and inconsistently applied. Based on results, the study recommends implementing structured stress management programs in organizations, including regular stress audits, awareness workshops, employee assistance programs, mentorship, and improved communication channels. It also suggests policy interventions by local government to strengthen occupational health support. This study contributes to existing literature by providing localized empirical data for Thoothukudi and practical guidance for employers to mitigate employee stress and improve organizational effectiveness Introduction Thoothukudi, a coastal district in Tamil Nadu, has a large population working in the unorganized sector. These workers are involved in various occupations such as salt pan work, fishing, and agriculture, construction, and sanitation services. Unlike those in formal employment, unorganized sector workers often lack job security, fixed income, social protection, and basic workplace facilities. As a result, they are exposed to many physical, financial, and emotional challenges on a daily basis. ©»º: 13 ]Ó¨¤uÌ: 2 ©õu®: ö\¨h®£º Á¸h®: 2025 P-ISSN: 2321-788X E-ISSN: 2582-0397 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/ zenodo.17339613 http://www.shanlaxjournals.com 193 £UP® Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities One of the major yet often overlooked issues faced by these workers is stress. Long working hours under harsh conditions, exposure to extreme heat, lack of rest, poor health care access, and the burden of supporting families with limited income lead to high levels of physical and mental strain. Women workers, especially in salt pans and domestic work, also face gender-based discrimination, health issues, and safety concerns, further increasing their stress. However, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and absence of mental health resources, most workers continue to suffer in silence. There is an urgent need to bring attention to stress management among unorganized sector workers in Thoothukudi. Simple interventions such as regular health camps, awareness programs on mental well-being, counseling services, and support through self-help groups can make a big difference. Involving local NGOs, government schemes, and community health workers can help create a system that supports both the physical and emotional health of these workers. By recognizing their mental health needs, we can ensure a healthier, more productive, and dignified life for this vital part of the workforce. Review of Literature Mental Health in Informal Workers in India (2024) ·Articles / opinion pieces note that workers in the informal/unorganized sector often suffer from high psychosocial risk: job insecurity, long hours, unsafe workplaces, lack of social protection, discrimination, etc. These affect mental health adversely. ·For example, “Mental health and the floundering informal worker” describes how these factors undermine access to mental health care. India Employment Report (2023) ·This report indicates that about 82% of the workforce is engaged in informal sector work. Informal employment is associated with lack of benefits, uncertainty, and lower wages. India Today ·Many informal workers do not receive prescribed minimum wages, suggesting financial stress. India Today Impact of Economic Shocks (GST, Demonetization, COVID 19) (2022) ·Research shows that these shocks have had large effects on the informal sector: job losses, declines in enterprise value added, increases in economic precarity. Such external shocks amplify stress. Particularly, data (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises) shows that although numbers of establishments in informal sector have recovered since COVID 19, worker numbers have not fully rebounded and many remain in vulnerable positions. Health / Morbidity Studies in Unorganized Sector in Tamil Nadu (2021) ·One study: “A study on association between respiratory morbidity and type of work, duration of work among unorganized sector workers in Tamil Nadu” (Madras Medical College). This is more about physical health (respiratory morbidity) due to dust, type of work, etc. While not directly about psychological stress, physical health stressors are related and contribute to overall stress. ·Another is “Occupational stress with emotional and behavioural disorders among private school teachers in Tamil Nadu”. Although private school teachers are not always unorganized sector employees, this gives insight into emotional stress, work overload, job sustainability as stressors. Studies about Stress Management / Psychological Well Being (2020) ·A paper titled “Stress Management and psychological aspects of workforces – causes, consequences and Management strategies” by S. Gomathi & A. Rajeswari (VIT, Tamil Nadu) discusses general stress management strategies for workforce. Although it may focus more on formal sectors or mixed sectors, the strategies (reducing work load, increasing support, training) are relevant. ·There are also studies on psychosocial health among those working from home during COVID in Chennai (largely in formal/IT sector) indicating stress increases due to isolation, 194 £UP® kupah fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; (kfspu;) fy;Y}up> jpUney;Ntyp gz;ila tuyhWk; jkpou; gz;ghLk; blurred boundaries, etc. While not directly informal, some coping mechanisms may overlap. Objective The objective of this study is to understand and analyze the stress management practices among employees working in the unorganized sector in Thoothukudi. It aims to identify the key sources of stress faced by these workers, evaluate their coping mechanisms, and suggest practical solutions to improve their mental well-being. By focusing on this specific group, the study seeks to highlight the need for better support systems, awareness, and resources to help reduce stress and improve overall productivity and quality of life for workers in the unorganized sector. Methodology The study adopts a descriptive research design to understand the level of stress among employees working in the organized sector in Thoothukudi. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to employees across various sectors such as banking, education, manufacturing, government, and port-related services. A sample of around 150–200 employees was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure fair representation. The questionnaire included sections on demographic details, workrelated stress factors, coping mechanisms, and available stress management practices in their organizations. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale. A pilot test was conducted to ensure the reliability of the questionnaire. Data was analyzed using basic statistical tools like percentages, averages, and correlation analysis to identify key stressors and their impact on employee performance and well-being. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and confidentiality, were maintained throughout the study. Historical Back Ground The unorganized sector in Thoothukudi— rooted in traditional fisheries, salt-pan work, small workshops, street vending, and construction—has long relied on family networks and community support to handle work stress. After Independence, informal contracting and daily-wage systems expanded around the port and allied industries, bringing irregular hours, seasonal income gaps, and basic safety risks. Liberalization and urban growth in the 1990s–2000s intensified target-based work and migration, while rising heat and living costs added new pressures. Formal stress management remained limited, with workers depending on selfhelp groups, faith communities, and local charities. In recent years, government IDs/registries (like e-Shram), primary health programs, and NGO outreach have begun introducing basic safety, financial literacy, and mental-health awareness—but coverage is still patchy and many workers continue to face high stress with few structured supports. Growth of Stress Rising Drivers Over the last decade, stress has intensified across Thoothukudi’s unorganized workforce— fisheries, salt pans, construction/port casuals, vendors, domestic work, and micro-workshops. Key reasons: irregular and target-based pay, longer and more volatile shifts during peak seasons, higher living costs with stagnant wages, and a clear rise in heat/humidity exposure at open worksites. Debt dependence through informal lenders adds a chronic layer of anxiety. Sector-Specific Acceleration In fisheries and landing centres, compressed landing windows and night work raise time pressure; in salt pans, extreme heat and salinity drive fatigue and skin/eye issues; among construction/port casuals, cargo peaks create unstable hours and load stress. Street vendors and domestic workers face harassment risks and payment uncertainty. These sectoral realities compound stress faster than supports have expanded. Social and Digital Shifts Migration, crowded housing, and dual care burdens—especially for women—amplify work stress at home. Gig-style, app-mediated tasks introduce algorithmic penalties and real-time surveillance, raising performance pressure without http://www.shanlaxjournals.com 195 £UP® Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities formal protections. Stigma around mental health keeps help-seeking low, so stress quietly “grows” even when incidents are visible (minor injuries, quarrels, absenteeism). Consequences on Livelihoods Unchecked stress shows up as more minor injuries and heat events, erratic attendance, sleep problems, and higher out-of-pocket health spending. Contractors lose output predictability; workers cycle through short spells of overwork and forced downtime. Women’s participation drops when safety and grievance routes are weak, reinforcing income volatility. Managing the Growth—What Works Now A practical response can bend the curve: sitesimple norms (regular micro-breaks, shade + water/ ORS, basic PPE, first-aid), a named peer champion per 30–50 workers, visible women-safe measures (lighting, buddy exit, WhatsApp grievance), and linkages to UPHC camps, tele-counseling, e-Shram/ insurance. Track just four indicators monthly—short stress score, absence days, minor injuries/heat events, and % insured/enrolled—and publish a simple “cluster scorecard.” These moves don’t eliminate structural informality, but they slow the growth of stress, protect health, stabilize earnings, and build trust between workers and contractors. Impact of Stress What improves when Stress is Managed Well ·Health & safety: Fewer heat-related incidents in salt pans/landing centres; lower BP, fewer minor injurie s; better sleep and hydration. ·Productivity & income: More consistent daily output, fewer zero-work days in peak season, reduced rework/errors; steadier weekly earnings. ·Attendance & retention: Drop in absenteeism and turnover among construction/port casuals and fishprocessing workers. ·Women’s wellbeing: Lower harassment and fear through lighting, grievance channels, and peersupport → better participation and earnings. ·Debt & money stress: Basic budgeting, SHG/ credit-linkage, and predictable pay cycles reduce EMI anxiety and informal-lender dependence. ·Community trust: Visible rest-sheds, ORS stations, and first-aid kits increase worker morale and contractor reputation. ·Pathways to formal benefits : e-Shram/insurance enrollment and UPHC linkages raise care-seeking and reduce out-of-pocke t medical costs. Quick Wins by Sector (Thoothukudi ) ·Fisheries & landing centres: Shade + water/ORS points, 10-minute micro-breaks, glove/knife safety → fewer cuts/dehydration cases; faster turnaround. · Salt pans: Work–rest–water schedule and eye/ skin protection → fewer heat-exhaustion episodes; steadier daily yield. · Construction/port casuals: Shift planning, loadhandling SOPs, first-aid boxes → lower back/ hand injuries; better on-time completion. · Vendors/workshops/domestic work: Clear hours, payment transparency, anti-harassment measures → reduced anxiety; stable attendance. Challenge of Stress Systemic & Policy Barriers ·Informality itself: No contracts, unstable hours/ pay → hard to enforce rest, safety, or counselling norms. ·Patchy coverage of schemes: e-Shram/insurance/ ESI enrolment is uneven; documentation gaps block benefits. ·Low unionization/voice: Fear of losing daily work discourages reporting stress or hazards. Workplace & Operational Hurdles ·Seasonality & targets: Fishing landings, salt-pan seasons, port rush hours → peak-time overwork, irregular nights. ·Heat & humidity: High WBGT days make physical work risky; few shaded rest points or hydration SOPs. ·Dispersed, micro sites: Street vendors, small workshops, domestic work—hard to reach with one program. ·Contractor chain pressures: Multiple middlemen; unclear responsibility for safety/stress measures. 196 £UP® kupah fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; (kfspu;) fy;Y}up> jpUney;Ntyp gz;ila tuyhWk; jkpou; gz;ghLk; Social & Cultural Constraints ·Stigma around mental health: Preference for “manage on your own”; late help-seeking. · Gendered risks: Harassment, unsafe commutes, dual care burden; silence due to retaliation fears. · Debt traps: Informal loans/EMIs create chronic anxiety; budgeting help is rare. Measurement & Service Access ·Data scarcity: No routine tracking of stress, absenteeism, or minor injuries. ·Tool fit: Standard tools (PSS/K10) need Tamil adaptation, brief formats, and low-literacy versions. ·Limited nearby services: Counselling, UPHC linkages, and referral pathways are not mapped for many clusters. Digital/Gig Realities ·Algorithmic targets (gig workers): Penalties for refusals/delays raise stress; little say in scheduling. ·Low digital trust: App-based benefits/enrolments are confusing; fear of data misuse. Future of Stress Based on recent studies and reports, here are some of the stressors and vulnerabilities: 1. Low and irregular income, under employment. E.g., agricultural labourers in Sawyerpuram Panchayat are mostly landless, seasonal work depends on crop cycles, low wages, no stable income. 2. Poor working conditions & occupational hazards Women in salt pan work lack basic facilities (protective gear, rest sheds, toilets), face physical strain and health risks. 3. Sanitary workers suffer health risks, exploitation, lack of protective equipment. Environmental & health stressors. Industrial pollution, water shortages or contamination, noise, poor air quality; frequent health complaints among people living in industrial taluks. 4. Lack of access to healthcare / mental health services. Likely limited access to formal mental health care, stigma, costs, lack of awareness. 5. Social stressors: Gender discrimination, unsafe workplace environment, sexual abuse (for some groups, e.g. women sanitation or salt-pan workers). Also poor living conditions, housing, water, sanitation etc. 6. Policy & institutional gaps: Although there are livelihood missions, welfare schemes, they may not sufficiently address psychosocial stress, mental health, or may not reach deeply into the unorganized sector. Suggestion Based on the findings of the study, it is evident that employees working in the unorganized sector in Thoothukudi face considerable levels of workrelated stress due to long working hours, low wages, job insecurity, lack of social protection, and poor working conditions. To address these issues effectively, it is recommended that awareness programs on stress management and mental wellbeing be regularly conducted by NGOs, local health departments, or labor welfare boards. Employers, even in informal setups, should be encouraged to provide basic amenities, rest breaks, and supportive work environments. Introduction of low-cost counseling services, peer support groups, and periodic health check-ups can also aid in early detection and management of stress-related symptoms. Furthermore, policy interventions at the district or state level should aim at extending social security schemes and training programs to empower workers with coping skills. Communitybased initiatives and local government collaboration can play a vital role in improving the psychological resilience and quality of life of workers in the unorganized sector. Conclusion Stress in Thoothukudi’s unorganized economy—fisheries and landing centres, salt pans, construction/port casuals, vendors, domestic and small workshops—arises from irregular pay, heat/ humidity, target pressure, debt, and low bargaining power. Yet the evidence from comparable field programs shows that site-simple, low-cost measures can deliver outsized gains. A practical bundle— regular micro-breaks, shade plus safe water/ORS, basic PPE, first-aid boxes, a named peer champion http://www.shanlaxjournals.com 197 £UP® Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities per 30–50 workers, clear anti-harassment and grievance routes, and predictable payout days— reduces perceived stress, cuts absenteeism and minor injuries, stabilizes output, and improves women’s participation. Linking worksites to UPHC camps and tele-counselling, and pushing e-Shram/ insurance enrollment converts short-term relief into durable risk protection. For sustainability, keep monitoring four KPIs only: (1) short stress score, (2) absence days, (3) minor injuries/heat events, (4) % insured/enrolled. Displaying a simple monthly “cluster scorecard” builds trust with workers and contractors, attracts CSR partners, and drives continuous improvement. The main constraints—informality, seasonal peaks, stigma, fragmented worksites—are real, but can be managed through peer-led routines, laminated Tamil SOPs, women-safe measures (lighting, buddy exit, WhatsApp line), and SHG-linked budgeting that eases debt anxiety. In sum, Thoothukudi can move from ad-hoc coping to a basic stress-management system within existing realities. Start with heat-safety norms and peer champions; add UPHC/insurance linkages; measure the four KPIs; publicly share progress. This phased approach is affordable, accountable, gendersensitive, and resilient to turnover—delivering healthier workers, steadier earnings, safer sites, and better productivity for contractors. References 1. An Economics Analysis of Health Problems of Salt Workers in Thoothukudi District, S. Henry Pandian & D. Janaki (2023) 2. Occupational Heat Stress and Kidney Health in Salt Pan Workers, Vidhya Venugopal et al. (study in Tamil Nadu) 3. A Study on Socio Economic Conditions of Agricultural Labourers in Sawyerpuram Panchayat in Thoothukudi District, S. H. Henry Pandian & S. Valarmathi (2021) 4. A Study on Socio Economic Conditions of Agricultural Labourers in Sawyerpuram Panchayat in Thoothukudi District, M. Aravind Kumar et al 5. Empowerment of Coastal Women through Self Help Groups in Thoothukudi District, Cisma F. & R. Sivasankari (2024/25)