Work Stress and Economic Productivity: A Case Study of the Textile industry in Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan the textile sector contributes nearly ¼ of the industrial value-added products and provides 40% of the total industrial workforce. Additionally, the industry has an average share of 60% in national exports. It also contributes 8.5% to the national GDP. Job-related stress among organizations has converted a significant anxiety for establishments without an immunity for the textile and apparel manufacturing, constituting a significant portion of the manufacturing industry in developing nations. The textile industry needs to improve its supply chain, increase productivity, and maximize value addition to survive in the modern, intensely competitive global market (Shah, Warraich & Kabeer, 2012). Due to multiple factors, anxiety at work is disturbingly fetching a universal public health crisis. Among the most prevalent manufacturing sectors with higher rates of stress at work are fabric mill workers facing work stress worldwide, directly affecting the firm's Productivity, and ultimately negatively impacting economic growth throughout the industrial sector. Work-related stress is a problem that could result in severe social and economic consequences that could be prevented if appropriate measures are taken (Ahmed, 2008).