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Diina Maulina, Krismadies (2024) The Relationship of Mental Workload and Job Stress in Assembly
Operators at PT. X Year 2024, (06) 07.
E-ISSN:
2684-883X
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Ridwan Institute
THE RELATIONSHIP OF MENTAL WORKLOAD AND JOB STRESS IN
ASSEMBLY OPERATORS AT PT. X YEAR 2024
Diina Maulina, Krismadies
Universitas Ibnu Sina, Indonesia
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Abstract
The manufacturing industry often involves repetitive and monotonous work, especially in the
assembly section. This job requires not only physical skills but also a significant mental
workload. This research aims to analyze the relationship between mental workload and work
stress in assembly operators at PT. X year 2024. This research uses quantitative methods. The
data collection technique used in this research was the NASA-TLX questionnaire. The data
analysis technique used is descriptive analysis. The research results show that mental
workload has a positive relationship with work stress in assembly operators at PT. X in 2024.
Based on the results of the questionnaire, data was obtained that 12 out of 30 workers
experienced very high mental workload. Meanwhile, in terms of work stress, from the aspect
of role ambiguity and role conflict, all respondents felt mild stress, in the qualitative overload
aspect, 5 out of 30 workers experienced severe stress and the rest were moderate stress, while
in the career development aspect, 1 person felt severe stress and the remaining 29 experienced
moderate stress, finally the aspect responsibility towards others 4 people experienced severe
stress and 26 others experienced mild stress.
Keywords: Mental Workload, Work Stress, Electronic Manufacturing
INTRODUCTION
Assembly operators play a crucial role in the manufacturing industry, tasked with
installing and arranging various product components so that they function properly. Their
expertise and skills are indispensable to ensure production quality and efficiency. Examples of
assembly processes in the world of production include assembling electronic components on
PCBs using solder in the electronics industry, installing buttons and zippers on clothes in the
garment industry, and assembling machine components in automotive production (Mattsson,
Fast-Berglund, Li, & Thorvald, 2020).
The job of an assembly operator does not only rely on physical skills, but also involves
a significant mental workload. Mental workload is how much effort the mind has to make in
carrying out a task that requires cognitive processing such as concentration, memory, decision
making, and attention (Nugraha & Suprapti, 2023). The assembly operator's work must
understand detailed technical instructions, monitor and adjust the production process
according to established standards, and solve problems that may arise during the assembly
process. Additionally, they need to maintain high concentration and focus to ensure that each
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Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024
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3092 Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024
component is installed correctly and the final product meets the specified quality
specifications.
High mental workload can trigger work stress which has an impact on employee
productivity and well-being (Wijaya, 2018). When employees, including assembly operators
at PT. X, facing constant mental pressure from tasks that are complex and require high
concentration, they are prone to experiencing stress. This job stress can disrupt their focus,
slow response to changes or problems on the production line, and even increase the risk of
errors.
PT. X, as a large manufacturing company, recognizes the importance of the mental
well-being of their employees. Especially for assembly operators, who play a direct role in
assembling product components, their mental health plays a crucial role in maintaining the
quality and sustainability of the production process. Company management has the
responsibility to create a supportive work environment, where mental workload can be
managed well through strategies such as training, psychological support, and balanced
workload management.
Research conducted by Fahamsyah, (2017) shows that employees at CSSD experience
mental workload which is divided into medium workload in 7 people and low mental
workload in 4 people. This research also found a relationship between mental workload and
the incidence of work stress, with 6 employees experiencing moderate work stress and 5
employees experiencing low work stress. Overall, the mental workload and work stress on
employees is at a moderate level. It is recommended that employees make good use of rest
time and exercise regularly to increase endurance.
Another study by Zetli, (2019) found that the average mental workload of elementary
school teachers was 76.98, which is included in the heavy mental workload category. For
junior high school teachers, the average mental workload is 67.99, including the medium
category, and for high school teachers it is 66.89, also including the medium category.
Meanwhile, lecturers have an average mental workload of 80.22, which is in the heavy
category. The average work stress for elementary school teachers is 129.63 (74.08%),
including the high category, for junior high school teachers it is 104.17 (59.52%), including
the medium category, for high school teachers it is 109.40 (62 .51%), including the medium
category, and for lecturers 131.33 (75.05%), including the high category.
This research adds to the literature on the relationship between mental workload and
work stress, especially in the context of the manufacturing industry. These findings open
opportunities for further research that could explore specific interventions that are effective in
reducing mental workload and job stress. This research aims to analyze the relationship
between mental workload and work stress in assembly operators at PT. X year 2024.
RESEARCH METHODS
This research uses quantitative methods. Quantitative methods are research approaches
that focus on collecting and analyzing numerical data to explain, predict, or control certain
phenomena. Quantitative research uses statistical and mathematical techniques to test
hypotheses or answer research questions with the aim of obtaining results that can be
generalized to a larger population (Caroline, 2019). The data collection technique used in this
research is the NASA-TLX questionnaire with the following score groups:
The Relationship of Mental Workload and Job Stress in Assembly Operators at PT. X Year
2024
Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024 3093
Table 1. NASA-TLX scores
Workload
Group
Mark
Low
0-9
Currently
10-29
Somewhat High
30-49
Tall
50-79
Very high
80-
100
The object of this research is PT X electronics manufacturing company. The population
of this research is assembly operators at PT. X. The sample for this research was taken using a
simple random sampling technique of 30 people. The data analysis technique used is
descriptive analysis. Descriptive analysis aims to describe or illustrate the characteristics of
the data that has been collected in research, so that researchers can obtain a clear and detailed
picture of the variables studied. aims to describe or illustrate the characteristics of the data
that has been collected in research, so that researchers can obtain a clear and detailed picture
of the variables studied (Agustianti et al., 2022).
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Giving Ratings
Table 2. Rating Results Data
Objek
RATING
KF
KW
P
TU
TF
1
60
70
80
90
70
2
50
60
80
90
70
3
70
80
90
100
40
4
70
80
90
100
70
5
60
80
100
70
30
6
80
80
100
60
10
7
70
80
100
70
40
8
70
70
90
90
30
9
50
80
80
70
40
10
50
80
80
70
40
11
80
70
70
70
40
12
50
50
50
50
50
13
50
70
100
50
20
14
70
60
80
90
40
Diina Maulina, Krismadies
3094 Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024
Objek
RATING
KF
KW
P
TU
TF
15
100
70
100
100
20
16
70
80
90
90
80
17
80
80
80
80
90
18
80
100
80
100
30
19
70
80
70
80
50
20
80
100
90
70
60
21
70
100
80
100
80
22
80
100
90
70
70
23
70
100
80
100
80
24
100
70
100
100
20
25
50
70
90
90
50
26
90
90
90
50
90
27
70
70
80
70
50
28
70
70
80
70
60
29
90
90
80
80
100
30
40
70
80
90
50
Measurement of Weighted Workload (WWL) using the NASA-TLX Method
Table 3. Measurement Results using the NASA-TLX Method
Object
Value Product
Total
Mean
Category
KM
KF
KW
P
TU
TF
1
60
120
350
320
270
0
1120
74.667
High
2
60
100
300
320
270
0
1050
70
Tinggi
3
50
210
320
270
400
0
1250
83.333
High
4
60
210
320
270
400
0
1260
84
High
5
50
120
320
500
140
30
1160
77.333
High
6
100
320
240
400
60
10
1130
75.333333
High
7
50
210
400
400
140
0
1200
80
Very high
8
60
210
280
360
180
30
1120
74.667
Very high
9
50
150
240
320
280
0
1040
69.333
High
10
50
150
160
400
280
0
1040
69.333
High
11
50
400
210
140
280
0
1080
72
High
12
150
50
150
200
150
50
750
50
High
13
50
100
280
400
200
0
1030
68.667
High
14
100
280
180
320
180
0
1060
70.667
High
15
50
400
140
300
500
0
1390
92.667
Very high
16
60
140
320
450
180
80
1230
82
Very high
The Relationship of Mental Workload and Job Stress in Assembly Operators at PT. X Year
2024
Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024 3095
Object
Value Product
Total
Mean
Category
KM
KF
KW
P
TU
TF
17
50
160
240
400
160
180
1190
79.333
Tinggi
18
40
320
500
160
300
0
1320
88
High
19
60
280
400
140
240
0
1120
74.667
High
20
0
240
400
180
350
60
1230
82
Very high
21
0
210
500
80
300
240
1330
88.667
Very high
22
0
240
500
180
350
0
1270
84.667
Very high
23
0
280
300
80
500
160
1320
88
Very high
Very
high
50
400
140
300
500
0
1390
92.667
Very high
Very
high
100
100
210
450
270
0
1130
75.333333
High
26
0
360
180
270
100
360
1270
84.666667
Very high
27
0
280
140
80
350
150
1000
66.666667
Very high
28
0
280
140
80
350
180
1030
68.666667
High
29
0
270
180
160
240
500
1350
90
Very high
30
150
80
210
400
180
0
1020
68
Very high
Results of workload calculations using the NASA-TLX method for assembly operators
at PT. X in 2024, it was found that 12 people had a very high workload and 18 people had a
high workload.
Graph 1. Results of the Job Stress Questionnaire
Based on the results of a questionnaire from 30 assembly operators at PT. X Year 2024
with six indicators, namely the role of the role, the role conflict, the excess quantitative
burden, the excessive excess burden, career development, and responsibility for others it was
found that the first and second indicators were the role of the role and the role conflict of all
operators had mild stress, on the indicator The third and fourth results showed that 25 people
had moderate stress and 5 people had severe stress. Then in the fifth indicator, it was found
Diina Maulina, Krismadies
3096 Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024
that 29 people had moderate stress and 1 person had severe stress. In the last indicator, there
were 26 people with mild stress and 4 people with severe stress.
Based on the research results, it was found that workload was related to work stress in
assembly operators at PT. X year 2024. These results are supported by previous research
conducted by Safitri, (2020) which states that there is a positive relationship between high
workload and work stress levels, increasing workload tends to increase employee stress
levels.
Human resources have an important role in a company, because through their
performance, the company can achieve its goals. Competent and motivated employees can
increase productivity, innovation and operational efficiency. They contribute to creating
quality products, providing satisfactory service, and developing effective strategies (Pahira &
Rinaldy, 2023). Good management of human resources also ensures that the company has the
right workforce to face business challenges, maintain sustainability, and achieve desired
growth. Human resources are not only the backbone of operations, but are also the key to
realizing the company's vision and mission (Aula, Hanoum, & Prihananto, 2022).
To achieve maximum performance, companies need to pay attention to employee
workload. A workload that is too high or too low can have a negative impact on employee
productivity and well-being. Excessive workload can cause stress, fatigue and decreased work
quality, while workload that is too low can cause boredom and dissatisfaction (Farida &
Melinda, 2019). It is important for management to balance the number and complexity of
assigned tasks, ensure that employees have the necessary resources and support, and allow
sufficient time for task completion. By managing workload effectively, companies can
improve employee performance, maintain their motivation and well-being, and achieve
organizational goals more efficiently (Nurwahyuni, 2019).
Workload is the number of tasks or responsibilities that must be completed by an
individual within a certain period of time, which can affect their well-being and performance
(Ulya & Novendy, 2023). Workload can be seen from two main aspects, namely quantity and
quality. Workload quantity refers to the number of tasks or volume of work that must be
completed by an individual within a certain time period. such as how many documents must
be processed, how many clients must be served, or how many products must be produced.
Meanwhile, the quality of the workload is related to the complexity and level of difficulty of
the task which includes standards or requirements that must be met in completing the work,
such as the level of accuracy, creativity or technical expertise required. These two aspects are
interrelated and can influence work stress levels, increasing the quantity or quality of
workload without adequate support can cause higher pressure and fatigue in employees
(Suryani, Muliawan, & Adiputra, 2020).
The workload can be felt by individuals according to their respective abilities and
capacities. Each individual has different physical and mental limitations in dealing with the
number and complexity of tasks given. By adjusting workloads based on individual abilities,
companies can ensure employees remain productive and are not overburdened, which will
ultimately help achieve maximum performance and organizational goals (Riznanda &
The Relationship of Mental Workload and Job Stress in Assembly Operators at PT. X Year
2024
Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024 3097
Kusumadewi, 2023). Several factors that influence workload according to Utomo, (2019)
include:
a. Volume and complexity of tasks
The number and level of difficulty of tasks that must be completed can influence a
person's workload level.
b. Time and pressure
Tight deadlines or pressure to complete tasks can increase the workload.
c. Available resources
The availability of resources such as time, energy, and tools required to complete a
task can influence workload levels.
d. Experience and skills
A person's level of experience and skill in handling certain tasks can influence how
much of a workload he or she feels.
e. Support and supervision
The level of support and supervision from superiors or coworkers can also influence
a person's workload.
f. Work environment
Factors such as noise, distractions or conflict in the work environment can also
influence workload levels.
Excessive workload will cause various negative impacts, such as high stress, physical
and mental fatigue, decreased work quality, and decreased work satisfaction and motivation
(Lestari & Fachrian, 2022). Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional response that occurs
when someone faces demands or pressure that exceed their ability to cope effectively (Melo,
Kawatu, & Tucunan, 2019). Work stress is a response that occurs when someone faces
demands or pressure that exceed their ability to cope. Characterized by various physical,
emotional, and behavioral symptoms, such as muscle tension, fatigue, inability to concentrate,
mood changes, increased sensitivity, increased interpersonal conflict, and decreased
motivation and performance (Mohune, 2018). Untreated stress can impact a person's ability to
concentrate, make the right decisions, and complete tasks effectively. This can result in
decreased productivity, poor work quality, and increased error rates. Apart from that,
untreated stress can also affect an individual's physical and mental health, which in turn can
worsen their performance (Rohman & Ichsan, 2021).
The consequences of stress can be reflected in three main dimensions: physical,
psychological, and behavioral. Physically, untreated stress can produce symptoms such as
headaches, sleep disorders, excessive fatigue, digestive disorders, and an increased risk of
other diseases. On the psychological side, individuals experiencing stress are likely to
experience feelings of anxiety, tension, or even depression, which can disrupt their overall
mental well-being. The behavioral impact of stress is also significant, it can manifest in
changes in eating patterns, increased consumption of alcohol or drugs, withdrawal from social
interactions, or even aggressive behavior. Together, these impacts can damage a person's
quality of life, health and social relationships, as well as interfere with performance and
achievement of goals in daily life (Abdullah, 2015).
Diina Maulina, Krismadies
3098 Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 07, Juli 2024
Thus, the research results show that there is a significant relationship between workload
and work stress experienced by assembly operators at PT. X year 2024. High workload, both
in terms of quantity and quality of tasks that must be completed within a certain time period
because it can increase stress levels in operators which has a negative impact on their well-
being and overall performance. Therefore, the management of PT X.
CONCLUSSION
The research results show that mental workload has a positive relationship with work
stress in assembly operators at PT. X year 2024. Based on the results of the questionnaire, the
data shows that 12 out of 30 workers experience very high mental workload. In terms of work
stress, all respondents felt mild stress in the aspects of role ambiguity and role conflict. In the
qualitative aspect of overload, 5 out of 30 workers experienced severe stress, while the rest
experienced moderate stress. Regarding the career development aspect, 1 person experienced
severe stress and 29 others experienced moderate stress. Finally, in the aspect of responsibility
towards other people, 4 people experienced severe stress, while 26 others experienced mild
stress. This data indicates that high mental workload tends to be associated with varying
levels of work stress, especially in certain aspects that affect the mental well-being of
assembly operators.
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