Analyzing Work Stress in the Government Sector: A Case Study of BAPENDA North Sumatra Using Demand-Control and Coping Theories

Abstract

Dinamika stres kerja dan pendekatan kuantitatif untuk mengukur prevalensi faktor-faktor penyebab stres. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa stres kerja tidak hanya disebabkan oleh faktor internal, seperti beban kerja yang tinggi dan konflik interpersonal, tetapi juga oleh kelemahan struktural, seperti target yang tidak realistis, keterlambatan pembayaran tunjangan, dan fasilitas kerja yang tidak memadai. Strategi coping berbasis masalah, seperti perencanaan kerja dan dukungan sosial, ditemukan lebih efektif dalam mengurangi stres jangka panjang dibandingkan strategi berbasis emosi, seperti relaksasi dan meditasi, yang hanya memberikan manfaat sementara. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi penting terhadap pengembangan Demand-Control Model dan Coping Theory dengan menyoroti pentingnya interaksi antara faktor internal dan eksternal dalam memengaruhi stres kerja di sektor pemerintahan. Kombinasi pendekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif menawarkan metodologi yang komprehensif untuk memahami fenomena ini. Implikasi praktis dari penelitian ini mencakup rekomendasi untuk memperbaiki sistem administrasi, menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang mendukung, dan mempromosikan strategi coping berbasis masalah guna meningkatkan kesejahteraan pegawai dan menjaga produktivitas organisasi secara berkelanjutan. This study analyzes the factors causing work stress, its impact on employee well-being and productivity, and the coping strategies implemented at the Regional Revenue Agency (Badan Pendapatan Daerah, BAPENDA) of North Sumatra Province. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach to understand the dynamics of work stress and a quantitative approach to measure the prevalence of stress-causing factors. The findings show that work stress arises not only from internal factors, such as high workloads and interpersonal conflicts, but also from structural weaknesses, such as unrealistic targets, delayed payment of allowances, and inadequate workplace facilities. Problem-focused coping strategies, such as work planning and social support, were found to be more effective in reducing long-term stress than emotion-focused strategies, such as relaxation and meditation, which only provide temporary benefits. This study makes a significant contribution to the development of the Demand-Control Model and Coping Theory by highlighting the importance of the interaction between internal and external factors in influencing work stress in the government sector. The combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches offers a comprehensive methodology for understanding this phenomenon. The practical implications of this research include recommendations to improve administrative systems, create supportive work environments, and promote problem-focused coping strategies to enhance employee well-being and sustain organizational productivity.