Aim:

To characterize the perception of mental workload in administrative employees of a municipality in Chile.

Methods:

This was a quantitative study with a descriptive and cross-sectional design. A two-part questionnaire (bio sociodemographic background and subjective scale of mental workload (SMWS)) was used to survey a total of 47 administrative employees of a municipality in Chile. The 25.0 version of the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the data analysis; this was followed by descriptive statistical calculation of mean, standard deviation, and range. The ethical principles of Ezequiel Emmanuel were respected, and the authorization of the scientific ethical committee was obtained.

Results:

Those who worked presented a high average global mental workload level (𝒙̅: 3.38). The factors with the highest mental workload exposure were task characteristics (𝒙̅: 4.09) and cognitive demand and task complexity (𝒙̅: 3.89) whereas the work rhythm factor showed the lowest results (𝒙̅: 2.47).

Conclusion:

The characteristics of the work performed by the administrative personnel force them to perform a mental effort associated with the completion of the task exposed to interruptions and distractions. These characteristics tires them and causes them difficulties to relax after the end of the day; this could cause negative effects on their physical and mental health.