Employee Stress Сaused by Socioeconomic Challenges: Task and Relationship Management as a Buffer to Mitigate the Stress Outcomes

The turmoil associated with the recent pandemic inflation, coupled with uncertainties regarding global trade, is likely to cause much unnecessary tension among employees and managers in most nations, signifying that socioeconomic challenges are external adverse events that cause stress in employees. This study surveyed 503 working-age adults in Turkey during 2023 to assess their dominant task-relationship orientations and level of perceived stress. Data was added manually to Microsoft Excel, and variables were compared using a t-test analysis. As managers, Turkish adults tend to be significantly more relationship-oriented, which can serve as an effective mitigation buffer against feeling stressed. Analysis of data also confirmed that work experience, education, age, and government experience are statistically significant factors in task-relationship orientations and stress perceptions. The quantitative results are supplemented with practical observations of Turkish managers to assess the intersectionality of supervision and stress management practices. This research did not discover any significant differences in the task and relationship orientation of Turkish respondents based on gender, which is different from working adults in the United States, where men are more likely to be focused on tasks. Additionally, Turkish men and women have similar perceptions of stress in society. Limitations of the research, suggestions for future studies, and recommendations are provided. Given the current global challenges related to trade and national conflicts, understanding the cultural and contextual factors that influence stress perceptions is crucial for developing targeted interventions to promote well-being in the workplace and better working relationships with local and global counterparts. It is clear from this study that Turkish people are significantly more relationship-oriented (42.99), and their task orientation (40.93) falls in the moderately high range. The average stress perception of Turkish respondents is 29.06, falling in the moderate range. The study’s findings provide a foundation for management assessments and talent development strategies that are tailored to the strengths and stress profiles of individuals. Future research should further explore the role of leadership orientation in stress management and its implications for fostering healthier, more resilient work environments and interpersonal relationships.