The untold positive effects of stress on work performance
The effects of stress are experienced by a large number of students, but stress, in combination with management techniques and other resources, can also increase performance in an individual’s studies or in the workplace. Professor Gloria González-Morales of the Department of Psychology for U of G says that “feeling that push because you’re stressed out can generate higher performance or more learning.” This push may be beneficial, but organizations and institutions must be prepared to provide necessary resources to help its members utilize their stress effectively, rather than experience its negative effects on physical and mental health.
González-Morales stated that employees are more likely to be committed to their organization if they perceive their work environment as challenging, but also supportive. “Feeling that the organization cares about your well-being and also values your contributions – that has to be in place,” said González-Morales. A stimulating environment, therefore, should be complimented by access to resources, which aid with stress management – such an environment may optimize the member’s performance.
González-Morales also said that work stress can severely impact an employee’s personal life outside of work, including family relations, especially if family members also experience neglect resulting from work-related responsibilities. Parents or guardians may have difficulties attending to their children’s needs after spending long, stressful hours at work. Stress accumulates much faster when an individual is drained of energy. Conversely, a positive day at work can result in “positive spill-over” into other parts of the employee’s life, increasing their self-esteem, overall sense of satisfaction, and general happiness.
Coping mechanisms, with respect to work-related stress, differ between men and women, González-Morales says. Women tend to seek social support from co-workers and friends, generally benefiting from this sort of support. Men, however, gravitate toward problem-focused coping. González-Morales added that this gender distinction may be a result of the way boys and girls are raised. Boys, for example, are expected to solve problems independently. “They are not expected to ask for help,” González-Morales said, but she advised that both genders should seek help if they feel stressed at work.