The associations between workplace gender composition and occupational stress among Japanese public servants

Abstract

Background

Over the years, occupations and workplaces have become more gender neutral as female participation in the workforce has risen. However, few studies have reported how the gender composition of the workplace affects occupational stress.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between gender composition and occupational stress among Japanese public servants.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2019, included 18,486 public servants from City A, Japan, using data from the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). After exclusions, 16,444 participants were analyzed based on their BJSQ scores. Workplaces were categorized according to their gender compositions: female- or male-dominated, and gender-neutral. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for the effect of gender composition on mental health, after adjusting for demographic and occupational factors.

Results

Among females, high job stressors were associated with both female- and male-dominated workplaces, and high stress responses were associated with male-dominated workplaces. Among males, high job stressors and high stress responses were associated with both female- and male-dominated workplaces.

Conclusions

Female-dominated workplaces were associated with high occupational stress. In contrast, male-dominated workplaces were associated with low occupational stress. Understanding the differences in occupational stress due to gender composition may play an important role in creating a more equitable and effective work environment.