Impact of Work Stress on Employee Performance: An overwhelming workload, lack of support from colleagues and too many demands at once contribute greatly to the poor performance of employees and the overall growth of an organization. Too much workload and increased job responsibilities on the part of employees bring about frustration and panic. According to Umeh (2011) stress
affects an employee’s ability to remember things he/she already know; it affects his/her ability to process new information and to apply both to analytic situations and physical tasks that require concentration. When an employee is mentally exhausted from all of the worries, anxieties and tension brought on by a stressful environment or lifestyle, he/she will be more easily distracted and prone to make costly, harmful or even fatal mistakes on the job.Read: Effects of Monetary Incentives on Employee Performance
Also, Ndibe (2010), observes that, in addition to headaches, sleep, disorders, vision problems, weight loss and blood pressure, stress affects cardio-vascular, gastrointestinal and muscle-skeletal systems and this contribute to the poor performance of employees. Individuals under stress at work have been known to experience fatigue and/or low motivation which can directly influence an organization’s morale and decrease overall productivity. When employees are under stress, their thought process narrow. This narrowing of attention prevents divergent thinking, which is foundation of creativity.
In support of the above views, Umeogu (2011) stated that, stress can contribute to accidents/injuries by causing people to sleep badly, over-medicate themselves and or drink excessively, feel depressed, feel anxious, jittery and nervous, feel angry and reckless (often done to a sense of unfairness or injustice). When people engage in these behaviours or are in these emotional sates, they are more likely to become momentarily distracted, make errors in judgment, and put their bodies under physical stress, increasing the potential for strains and sprains.
There are many other symptoms that are indications of stress in the workplace. These include tiredness which is a result of a stress sufferer not being able to sleep or having disturbed sleep, or someone becoming depressed. Hence, work related stress is a growing problem around the world that affects not only the health and well-being of employees, but also the productivity of organizations. It not only affects employees’ physical health by their mental and emotional status but in-turn affects their performance and productivity.
In support of the above views, Umeogu (2011) stated that, stress can contribute to accidents/injuries by causing people to sleep badly, over-medicate themselves and or drink excessively, feel depressed, feel anxious, jittery and nervous, feel angry and reckless (often done to a sense of unfairness or injustice). When people engage in these behaviours or are in these emotional sates, they are more likely to become momentarily distracted, make errors in judgment, and put their bodies under physical stress, increasing the potential for strains and sprains.
There are many other symptoms that are indications of stress in the workplace. These include tiredness which is a result of a stress sufferer not being able to sleep or having disturbed sleep, or someone becoming depressed. Hence, work related stress is a growing problem around the world that affects not only the health and well-being of employees, but also the productivity of organizations. It not only affects employees’ physical health by their mental and emotional status but in-turn affects their performance and productivity.
Ways of Managing Stress in the Workplace.
There is no doubt that stress can cause adverse affects to work place productivity, poor work performance, increased absenteeism, and diverted administrative and time management. Instead of taking a passive approach, we need to be proactive and make steps to reduce work place stress. This is because, if no action is taken, it wills likely cause inefficiencies, health problems, and ultimate burnout of the employee in the work place. Since the causes of workplace stress can vary greatly, Igbafen (2009) states that, employers should encourage employees that they are doing a good job, encourage them to get enough sleep, and encourage them to eat a balanced diet and exercise themselves regularly. Studies have shown that companies who encourage employees to take a “body break” will work more effectively than those who do little or nor exercise.
Read: Effects of Monetary Incentives on Employee Performance
Also Asuquo(2012) the workload has to be in line with workers’ capabilities. Employees should not be over labored with responsibilities so that stress will not break them down. Employees should give employees opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs. Delegate responsibility if there is the need for it and allow others to call their own shots. When they feel they are part of the decision, they are more likely to take responsibility rather than grumble against their boss and their company. More often than not employees wear “too many hats”. Employees’ work roles need to be clear, understandable, and should not be conflicting or uncertain. There is the need to encourage employees to take responsibility for their own job and for their contribution to the success of the company so that they would not be bogged down with too many responsibilities.
In line with the above views,Onyeke(2103) good time management tool will help an employee stay organized, plan and prepare schedule in advance, and keeping good records helps get things accomplished on time, and thus reduces stress. Assign jobs to provide meaning, stimulation, and opportunities for workers to use their skills and talents. Procrastination only breeds stress. It increases the amount of work an employee need to do at a given situation. Do the most important tasks first and eliminate the things that take less priority.
It can be said from the foregoing that, reducing stress will allow for a better work environment and will promote mutual effort amongst the team of employees, resulting in higher quality of work. Having a supportive management team, organizing your time effectively, and having fun around the work place are effective ways to minimize stress.
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