The Role of Social Support in Reducing Occupational Stress Among Couriers: Evidence from Semarang City, 2025

Factors Related to Job Stress in Couriers of Expedition “X” in Semarang City in 2025

Abstract

The courier profession involves stringent daily targets and substantial workloads, predisposing workers to occupational stress. According to the 2022 Health Safety Environment (HSE) data, approximately 870,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression, and anxiety, with a prevalence of 2.6 per 100,000 workers. This study investigates demographic and occupational variables influencing work-related stress among couriers employed by the “X” expedition company in Semarang City, amid the rapid growth of e-commerce increasing service demands. A quantitative, observational-analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Data were collected through validated questionnaires from 86 couriers using total sampling. Due to the non-parametric dataset, Spearman’s Rank correlation was employed. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between social support and work stress (p = 0.002; contingency coefficient = -0.327), indicating that increased social support reduces occupational stress. However, age (p = 0.425), tenure (p = 0.521), working duration (p = 0.757), educational attainment (p = 0.267), and workload intensity (p = 0.475) showed no significant correlation with stress levels. These findings emphasize the key role of social support in mitigating work stress. It is recommended that the company develop health policies that include wellness programs with social-emotional and psychological support through counseling, implement safe working hour policies, and provide training for supervisors and managers on open communication and stress management.