Work Stress in the IT Sector: A Review of Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

The IT sector, characterized by rapid technological advancements and high-performance expectations, has become a hotshot for work-related stress. This review paper explores the nature, causes, and consequences of work stress among IT professionals, drawing on global literature and specific insights from the Delhi-NCR region in India. Key stressors include high workloads, tight deadlines, constant connectivity, and the pressure to adapt to new technologies. These factors negatively impact employee performance, mental health, and organizational outcomes, with stress acting as both a mediator and moderator in the technology-performance nexus. Mitigation strategies such as training, supportive cultures, and work-life balance policies are evaluated. This review highlights research gaps, particularly in region-specific contexts, and proposes directions for future studies to address the growing challenge of technophobes in the digital era.