Introduction:

the work environment, organization and related behaviors are factors that influence the psychological well-being of workers. Likewise, work stress has a negative impact on psychological and physical health. In the long-term pandemic scenario, factors such as these could exacerbate or moderate the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of health care workers.

Objective:

to examine stress and work environment perceived by Chilean health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with demographic variables.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design, questionnaires on work environment and work stress were applied to a sample of 623 health care workers. Some 60.5% (n=385) were from hospital establishments, and 39.5% (n=238) belonged to Primary Health Care Centers (PHC).

Results:

Half of the workers considered that they experienced stress in six dimensions. A relevant aspect is that less than 10% consider that they are satisfied with the opportunity to help people. The perception of work stress is higher in PHC workers than in Hospital workers (239 = 133 (55.6); p < 0.001). Regarding the work environment, the perception that restrictions affected the mental well-being of workers is higher in Hospitals (365=122(33.4; p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Factors affecting stress and the work environment in health care workers require preventive interventions in mental health and quality of life.