Leisure: An escape route from work-related stress among lecturers, bankers and hospital workers in Ile-Ife metropolis, Nigeria

Research has reported several effective coping strategies for work-related stress. One area that is yet to be fully explored is the place of leisure activities as a coping strategy. The study aimed at investigating the rate and pattern of workers' involvement in leisure activities as a coping strategy for work-related stress. Ninety-four (94) subjects comprising lecturers, bankers and hospital staff from Ile-Ife metropolis, Nigeria, were randomly selected and participated in this study. Responses from the subjects were elicited through a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study showed that the three categories of workers did not differ significantly with regards to their understanding of stress as indicated in the options provided. Also, opinions of the three categories of workers on the effectiveness of leisure as a strategy for coping with stress did not differ significantly. The respondents indicated that active games and sports, outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, camping and hiking, were the leisure activities engaged in for coping with work-related stress. These, they agreed impacted positively on them, although their leisure activity participation was restricted to weekends because these were the only free periods available to them. It was also observed that employers seemed not to be contributing much in finding solution towards solving stress problems employees experience at workplace. The study also revealed that the workers in this study understood what leisure and perhaps the implications of participation and non-participation in leisure activities. The workers indicated that they were faced with numerous stress-provoking situations at workplace. It was suggested that the employers, organizations and institutions should formulate policies to alleviate work-related stress among employees. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance Vol. 13 (1) 2007: pp. 91-10