Soft values with hard impact - a review of stress reducing interventions on group and organisational level

Objective: The aim of this study was to review stress reducing interventions on group and organisational levels in organisations and analyse the studies according to quality of design, results and employee participation and learning. Methods: A literature review was carried out, with data search in the databases Current Contents, Embase, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE (R). Results: Nineteen interventions had a high quality design. An action research and participatory research design was the best design to reduce work related stress on group and organisational levels. The studies with the most effective results were based on a contract with the organisation, had supportive supervisors and managers and an individual and organisational stressor reduction process. They also identified work constraints and implemented an action plan using problem-based learning. There were six studies which met the criteria for the highest level of participation, which is official participation in problem solving and development activities. There were four studies which met the criteria for the highest level of learning, creative learning. Discussion: Researchers working with stress reducing interventions on group and organisational levels need to recommend high-quality design on each level. A successful group and organisational intervention needs to have a strategy that guarantees top management's commitment and methods that create effective participation, individual and organisational learning, social support, and empowerment of employees.