The present study investigated whether there is a relationship between workload and cognitive overload with self-efficacy, perfectionism, and psychological resilience as possible moderators. Cognitive Load Theory states that individuals have a finite amount of working memory. When the working memory load has reached its maximum, individuals experience cognitive overload. Employees with a higher workload receive higher amounts of information, increasing their cognitive load, thus being more likely to reach cognitive overload. However, self-efficacious individuals, perfectionists, and resilient individuals are more motivated to reach their goals and will persevere despite obstacles. Therefore, I proposed that perceived workload and perceived cognitive overload would be correlated and that self-efficacy, perfectionism, and resilience would moderate that relationship. Using a web-based questionnaire, 278 adults working at least 25 hours per week were given a series of self-report measures about their perceived workload, cognitive overload, self-efficacy, perfectionism, and resilience. Workload was found to be positively correlated with cognitive overload, but self-efficacy, perfectionism, and resilience did not moderate the relationship between workload and cognitive overload. Subsequent analyses provide limited support that level of education moderates the workload-cognitive overload relationship. As personal characteristics do not moderate the relationship between workload and cognitive overload, management in organizations will want to explore different ways to affect the perceived workload of their employees.

MPH / Department of Public Health / This study was about work related stress among social workers in the Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa. Work related stress among social workers globally can be attributed to a number of factors that are either internal or external to the workers. When not addressed, work related stress may have tremendous impact on the workers, their productivity and even health. The aim of this study was to explore the sources of work related stress among social workers in selected offices in Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa. This study adopted a qualitative research design making use of exploratory approach. The study was conducted at Unigaz social work offices, Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa. The study sample was chosen from the target population of social workers using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using an interview guide and analyzed using thematic analytical approach. To ensure trustworthiness, credibility and dependability of the study findings, the researcher pre-tested the interview guide to ascertain if it will enable the researcher to get the desired information. The researcher adhered to the following ethical principles: Informed consent, deception of respondents, confidentiality and anonymity, voluntary participation and avoidance of harm to respondents The study revealed that work related stress among social workers results from a variety of factors. These factors are either organisational such as poor remuneration, workload etc. or extra-organisational factors such as lack of support from family members. The study recommends that the Department of Social Development should put in place Employee Wellness Offices in all districts as a measure to curb and deal with work related stress among social workers. / NRF