Effect Of Stress On The Productivity Of Employees Working In

Effect Of Stress On The Productivity Ofemployees Working In It Sector

Effect of Stress on the Productivity of Employees Working In IT Sector in Nagpur Dr Dini Menon Abstract In today’s, growing Information technological scenario a large number of IT employees are facing the problem of stress in their working area. There are various reasons for that such as inadequate incentive system, long working hours, work culture, lack of job autonomy etc., and behind all these problems the main reason is negligence of employees by management. The result of this, the employees face various health related and personal family problems such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, office related stress in house, etc. The high demand of job gives less time for employees, to spend with their family members.

The main purpose of this study is to explore the causes of stress and to determine the factors that can reduce the job stress at workplace. Keywords: Information Technology, Stress, Employees Workplace Environment.

Introduction

Jobs in IT sector are knowledge driven and stress is existent in reality. The reason can be pressure from seniors, target-oriented approach, relationship with co-workers, lack of personal time, spouse stress, children stress and the list goes on. This stress can create many mental and health weaknesses which would affect the performance and productivity of the employee. The personal weaknesses of the employees due to stress may lead to lack of time management, poor relationships, low assertiveness, deviation from goals, lack of confidence etc. Employees can face many chronic health diseases.

Employees are assets and are considered to be the human capital of the organization. All jobs are knowledge-based and managed by such human capital, so organizations have to take care of the employees. In this fast and globalization era, helping employees to be healthy and productive is necessary for the organization to achieve their objectives. After the advent of globalization, the service sector, retail sector and IT &ITES sectors are in boom and employees are a very important factor in these organizations.

In IT sector, employees are involved in less physical work and more psychological work. There are many challenges employees face like competition, target-oriented jobs, 24/7 work culture, dual career, organization politics etc. Stress is a universal element experienced by employees around the globe. Stress has become a major problem for employers, particularly in developing nations where employers often do not realize the impact of stress on employee performance.

High rates of mergers, acquisitions, increasing economic interdependence, technological development, and restructuring have changed organizational work over the last few decades and are linked to stress causes such as time pressure, excessive work demand, role conflicts, ergonomic issues, and problematic customer relationships. Stress is a complex phenomenon. It can be defined in many ways, but simply put, it is the wear and tear of everyday life. The pressures encountered daily, along with available coping resources, determine whether stress becomes harmful or manageable.

Review of Literature

The workplace of the 21st century is fast-paced, dynamic, and highly stimulating, offering numerous opportunities but also increasing stress levels for those working under constant pressure. Certain jobs, like those in IT sectors, are inherently highly stressful due to long hours, night shifts, high targets, and loss of identity. Studies show that work environment factors significantly influence worker morale and productivity (Dayo Akintayo, 2012). The attitude of employees towards their environment, interpersonal relationships, control over work environment, and work assignments directly affect their stress levels and productivity (K. Chandrasekar, 2011).

Research indicates that stress originates from various organizational conditions and individual perceptions of demands exceeding coping capacity (L.S. Kang & R.S. Sandhu, 2011). Excessive demands, higher productivity pressures, and need for rapid skill acquisition contribute to burnout and increased stress among employees (Kulkarni, 2006). In Nagpur, a rapidly developing city, the influx of IT companies has intensified work pressure, leading to higher stress levels among employees in the region.

Purpose of the Study

The face of the workplace has changed drastically over the past decade, shaped by technological advancement, globalization, and increased workforce diversity. This research aims to identify the causes of job stress in IT workplaces and examine its effect on employee performance and behavior. Recognizing that stressed employees are less productive and more prone to health issues, organizations need to proactively address these challenges to maintain a healthy and efficient workforce.

Hypothesis

It is hypothesized that workplace stress has a negative effect on employee productivity.

Methods

This research employs a descriptive method, utilizing both primary and secondary data collection. Primary data was gathered through interviews with employees of IT companies in Nagpur using structured questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from literature including books, journals, magazines, and reports. A sample of 100 respondents was selected via random sampling to analyze the relationship between work-induced stress, job performance, and productivity.

Sample Design

The study investigates relationships among work-related stress, job performance, psychological well-being, and overall productivity among IT employees in Nagpur. The sample comprises 100 respondents, representing various organizational levels, selected through random sampling techniques.

Limitations of the Study

The open-ended nature of the questionnaire complicated data analysis and extended the research timeline. The delay in feedback was partly due to limited insights into organizational dynamics, resulting in time spent negotiating responses and feedback from organizations.

Results and Discussion

Table 1 data indicates that over 50% of respondents identified workload as a primary source of stress, with 52% noting change at work as a moderate stressor. Shift work caused stress occasionally in 62% of respondents, and 58% reported lack of supervision as sometimes stressful. Inadequate training was sometimes associated with stress by 59%, and 68% cited the working environment as a stress factor.

Socioeconomic factors also influence stress levels. As shown, 54% found a correlation between age and stress, whereas 90% linked qualifications with stress, suggesting higher qualification levels may lead to increased ambition and stress (Frederick, 1982). Marital status and income also showed significant links to stress levels, indicating that personal circumstances impact how employees perceive and manage work stress.

In terms of job dissatisfaction, a majority reported a desire for better job opportunities, fueling ongoing stress. 90% of respondents reported experiencing stress at work, underscoring the pervasive nature of work-related stress in the IT industry in Nagpur.

Workplace environment factors notably affected employee productivity. Relations with superiors were crucial, with 86% of respondents indicating that support from supervisors influenced their performance. Similarly, communication was a vital factor, with 90% emphasizing its importance for fostering trust and teamwork. Fair treatment and effective communication foster motivation and reduce stress, leading to higher productivity (Gaurav Akrani, 2011).

Suggestions & Recommendations

Organizations should implement stress alleviation programs, such as relaxation activities, decision-making training, attitude development, and counseling sessions. Wellness initiatives like physical exercises, yoga, and leisure activities can help employees manage stress better. Creating awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol and smoking is also vital.

Team-building exercises and brainstorming activities can foster active participation, enhancing concentration and reducing stress. Organizations need to foster a stress-free environment by promoting cooperation, kindness, and discipline. Regular monitoring of stress levels and making necessary adjustments are essential for maintaining a productive workforce.

Scope for Further Studies

Future research could expand beyond district-level studies to state, national, or international levels, increasing sample sizes. Incorporating additional demographic variables and employing advanced statistical analysis methods will provide deeper insights into the stress-performance relationship among IT employees globally.

References

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