A study based on ‘Stress’ in workers in the Garment Industry

Abstract

The garment industry which originated in the 1970s as a small industry, is the most important export industry in Sri Lanka, surpassing the traditional exports tea, coconut and rubber. Today this sector comprises of about 800 production units which can provide direct jobs to about 30000. This industry has shown a visible widespread within past 20 years. The reason is that the labour could be obtained comparatively for a less amount of wages. It has become easier as the women work force has been engaged in this industry. The women when entering the economic development process of the country has become beneficiaries, as well as a main contributor to economic development in the country. They face a huge mental depression when balancing their private life with the active participation in economic development. This condition is identified as ‘stress’ by psychiatrists. This condition causes physical, mental, and behavioral changes within a short period. The causes could be professional and private factors, how they face stress and the personality and perspectives of each individual. The level of stress can also differ due to the above factors. This study focuses on Stress of the workers in the garment industry. Thereby, the nature of stress, level, causes, how it affects their daily life, the steps to be taken to overcome stress, are studied in this research. Primary data was collected using interviews and questionnaires, and the secondary data was collected using texts, journals and newspapers. It was identified that women conceal their issues, and suffer alone. Only a limited number seek counselling aid.