Occupational Stress, Workplace Safety, and Wellbeing among Female Garment Workers in Bangladesh
Abstract
The ready-made garment (RMG) sector in Bangladesh has emerged as one of the most significant drivers of economic growth and employment over the past three decades. The industry accounts for the majority of the country’s export earnings and employs millions of workers, the majority of whom are women from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While the sector has contributed substantially to women’s economic participation and empowerment, female garment workers continue to experience multiple occupational challenges, including excessive workload, unsafe working conditions, long working hours, and limited access to occupational health resources. These factors often contribute to heightened levels of occupational stress and adversely affect workers’ physical and psychological wellbeing. Scholars have widely acknowledged that occupational stress arises when job demands exceed an individual’s capacity to cope with those demands, leading to negative outcomes such as fatigue, anxiety, reduced productivity, and long-term health problems (Karasek & Theorell, 1990; Bakker & Demerouti, 2017). Within labor-intensive industries such as garment manufacturing, these stressors are frequently intensified by production pressures, strict deadlines, and limited worker autonomy. This study examines the relationship between occupational stress, workplace safety conditions, and the overall wellbeing of female garment workers in Bangladesh. Drawing on a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative survey data collected from female garment workers with qualitative insights obtained through in-depth interviews. The research explores the prevalence of occupational stress, workers’ perceptions of safety practices within factories, and the implications of these conditions for physical health, mental wellbeing, and job satisfaction. The findings indicate that a large proportion of female garment workers experience moderate to high levels of occupational stress associated with production targets, repetitive work, inadequate rest periods, and limited managerial support. Moreover, although safety reforms have been introduced in the industry following major industrial disasters, many workers still report concerns regarding emergency preparedness, workplace ergonomics, and access to protective equipment. These workplace conditions significantly influence worker wellbeing, contributing to health issues such as chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, psychological distress, and reduced life satisfaction. The study highlights the critical need for improved occupational health policies, stronger enforcement of workplace safety regulations, and the integration of psychosocial support systems within garment factories. By addressing both structural and psychosocial aspects of workplace conditions, policymakers and industry stakeholders can contribute to improving the wellbeing, productivity, and long-term sustainability of the garment workforce in Bangladesh.