The Association between Job Stress and Productivity among the Academic Staff

Abstract

Background. Employees are critical assets of an organization, and it is necessary to investigate and identify factors affecting their performance and productivity. This study aimed to determine the relationship between job stress and job productivity in university settings. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 124 employees of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (AJUMS) based on Cochran's formula. Data collection instruments included the standard occupational stress questionnaire of the England Institute (HSE) and Echio’s productivity questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the instruments have been confirmed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22 software. Results. The mean score of job stress and job performance was 119.75 (±17.49) and 103.3 (±21.3), respectively, and their level was estimated as average. Findings indicated a significant negative correlation between job stress and performance (r = -0.59, P<0.001). In addition, three variables, including employee position, management support, and change were identified as the main predictors of employee productivity based on linear regression. There was a significant relationship between some demographic variables (age, gender, and education level) and occupational stress. Conclusion. According to our results, there was a significant negative correlation between occupational stress and staff productivity. These findings can be generalized to university administrative personnel. Three occupational stress components, including management support, change, and employee position, were identified as main predictors of productivity. Therefore, in order to improve productivity, managers need to consider more independence and support for personnel, as well as reduce the changes’ rate.