Are high-performance work practices related to individually perceived stress? A job demands-resources perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between high-performance work practices (HPWP) and individually perceived stress. Contrary to most past research, which evaluates HPWPs positively, this study emphasizes the potential downside of HPWPs, and suggests that some HPWPs are more strongly associated with enhanced stress than others. Drawing on the job demands-resources model, we differentiate between challenge demand HPWPs (i.e., performance evaluation systems, continuing education) and job resource HPWPs (i.e., flexible working hours, participation in decision-making). We then analyze 197 employees and their work environments, demonstrating that there is a positive relationship between challenge demands and individual stress among employees. Contrary to what we predicted, no empirical evidence indicates that the two analyzed job resources relate negatively to stress.