Exploring the stress of project-based work : perspectives of senior software developers

Project-based work is a dominant in the software development industry, offering flexibility and innovation and introducing unique stressors. This study set out to examine the effects stress has on project-based senior software developers’, particularly in relation to motivation.

Drawing on multiple well-established models and frameworks, such as the Challenge-Hindrance Stressor Framework and the Job Demands-Resources model, this research explores the motivating and demotivating stressors of project-based software development.

This study employed a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with senior software developers. The findings indicated that time pressure with control, clear goals, intensive workloads, and complex, high stakes projects are perceived as challenge stressors that enhance motivation, while some of the hindering stressors included task ambiguity, limited resources and micromanagement. The findings also highlight stressor appraisal is context-bound and influenced by individual and organisational attributes, such as autonomy and resilience.

These results contribute to a deeper understanding of occupational well-being in software development, providing practical implications for managing stress and motivation in project-based work.