Understanding Stress in Retail Work: Considering Different Types of Job Demands and Diverse Applications of Job Resources

This article extends recent developments in occupational stress theory to enhance understanding of stress in retail work. We argue that the effects of job demands on retail employees' health, well-being, and job performance vary according to whether they constitute threats (presaging personal harm), hindrances (obstructing work goals) or challenges (offering opportunities for mastery). We also argue that the types of resources available differ according to the extent that they assist workers to meet challenges and manage demands, or alternatively to regulate emotional responses to threats and hindrances. Thematic qualitative analysis of individual and focus group interviews with retail workers (including Work Health and Safety representatives) suggests that they face multiple threat and hindrance demands, and these 2 types of stressors are unique in terms of perceptions and effects. Likewise, retail workers have access to few structural job resources to promote growth and well-being, and a limited pool of social resources. Overall, the results clarify distinctions among types of occupational stressors-threats, hindrances, and challenges-and uncover perceived resource deficits and potential resource applications to address each. In terms of retail specifically, due to the nature of the work, employees are placed in a position with little opportunity for growth in combination with many threats and obstructions to positive well-being and performance. Retail managers/organizations should invest in the provision of resources and challenge opportunities for retail employees.