The interaction of physical and mental risk factors on office workers in the banking sector in Latvia

Abstract

Over the last years, physical and especially psychosocial risks have emerged as one of the main ones for intellectual work performers, including workers in the banking sector. This is due to the context of new technologies, digitalization and automatization of work processes. The interaction of physical and mental stress in the working environment and the risk factors have a significant impact on the employee’s wellbeing and performance. Aim of the research was to investigate the interaction of physical and mental strain on office workers in the banking sector in Latvia based on questionnaire and NASA-TLX method application results. Questionnaire results proved that main physical risks at work are prolonged sitting and discomfort in various body parts, but mental strain involves excessive work-related tasks, high-speed work, physical exhaustion. Using NASA-TLX method it was proved that banking sector employees experienced a moderate level of mental workload. Female employees reported higher scores across all NASA-TLX dimensions, suggesting greater cognitive and emotional strain. Interaction between physical and mental risk factors at the banking sector work environment can cause significant health and work efficiency issues.