The purpose of this investigation is to highlight Swedish and Spanish social workers’ views on the factors that contribute to occupational stress in healthcare. The aims of the study is also to examine differences and similarities between Swedish and Spanish social workers in experienced stress at the work place. In order to achieve the purpose of the study we have chosen to carry out eight semistructured interviews. The findings of the study demonstrate that the two key themes in the results organization and personal qualities are the main contributing factors in work related stress. Organizational factors related to case load, the multi-professional team, leadership and lacking economic resources comprise sub themes that reoccur in the accounts of the interviewed social workers. Work life experience and the level of strain of patient cases are factors that influence the personal qualities of the social workers and affect work related stress. The study has a qualitative approach using a thematic analysis to understand and interpret the accounts of the interviewed social workers. The results have been analyzed with support of past research, systems theory and Demand-Control Model of Job Stress.