On-the-Job Stress: Interventions to Improve the Occupational Well-being of Policewomen in Assam, India

This article discusses the results of a study with an all-women police station and other police stations in Guwahati, Assam, India, considering their occupational stress and hazards related to womanhood issues. In this descriptive study, a sample of 30 women police was selected by purposive sampling and analyses were performed using responses to a questionnaire method and individual/group meetings. Well-being as well as levels of satisfaction leading to the commitment of the policewomen to their organization have been identified. A majority opined about experiencing occupational stress/hazards related to issues specific to womanhood. Ergonomic, on-the-job criteria, and appropriate design interventions, may address their stress and related concerns. Women’s hygiene specific issues in the workplace was a major concern. A few remedial design attempts have been proposed and some such improvements have been implemented by authorities to upgrade the women’s police station. In addition to the physical and mental well-being of existing policewomen enabling them to perform their duties effectively and efficiently, such sympathetic developments have created a positive niche to motivate more young women to enter the police force