Relationship Between Personal Resilience and Occupational Stress among Insurance Workers: Case of Zamara Risk and Insurance Brokers Limited Nairobi, kenya.

Abstract

Occupational stress, also referred to as workplace stress, arises from the demands of one's job or occupation and can severely affect an employee's psychological, social, and physical well-being, as well as their ability to perform tasks effectively and achieve desired outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between personal resilience and occupational stress among insurance workers at Zamara Risk and Insurance Brokers Limited in Nairobi, Kenya. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: to assess the level of occupational stress among insurance workers at Zamara Risk and Insurance Brokers Limited, to establish the level of personal resilience among these workers, to investigate the relationship between personal resilience and occupational stress, and to analyze the occupational stress coping strategies employed by insurance workers. The study was anchored on three theoretical frameworks: Resilience Theory, the Social Cognitive Theory of Stress, and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing primary data collected through both open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires. The sample size of the study was 220 employees. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), with findings indicating that 91% of respondents experienced moderate levels of occupational stress, while 89% demonstrated high levels of personal resilience. A weak negative correlation (r = -0.053, p = 0.372) was found between personal resilience and occupational stress, suggesting that higher resilience levels may slightly reduce stress. Problem-solving emerged as the most commonly used coping strategy (reported by 30 respondents), followed by relaxation techniques (24 respondents) and taking breaks/vacations (21 respondents). Chi-square tests revealed a significant relationship between resilience levels and the use of taking breaks/vacations as a coping strategy (χ² = 18.532, p = 0.018). The study concluded that while occupational stress is prevalent among insurance workers, high levels of personal resilience and the use of effective coping strategies help mitigate its impact. The study recommended that Zamara Risk and Insurance Brokers Limited should implement comprehensive stress management programs and provide regular training sessions to enhance employees' resilience and support their overall well-being and performance.