Investigating the Impact of Increased Job Stress on the Productivity of Female Employees in Bank Branches in Iran
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Index date: 11 September 2024
Investigating the Impact of Increased Job Stress on the Productivity of Female Employees in Bank Branches in Iran abstract
Investigating the Impact of Increased Job Stress on the Productivity of Female Employees in Bank Branches in Iran Keywords:
Investigating the Impact of Increased Job Stress on the Productivity of Female Employees in Bank Branches in Iran authors
Industrial and Organizational Psychologist
مقدمه/پیشینه تحقیق
Introduction
Job stress is one of the major challenges in work environments that affects the mental, physical, and performance aspects of employees. This issue is particularly significant in banking environments, where sensitive and complex activities are carried out. Banks, as vital financial institutions in any country, face significant pressures that can lead to the formation of job stress among employees. These pressures include the need for high accuracy and speed, proper financial resource management, dealing with customers, and financial risks (Alvani, 2017; Garkani et al., 2016).
Job stress is generally defined as a situation where the individual feels that job demands are not aligned with their personal abilities and resources. This definition, proposed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984), suggests that job stress is not only limited to external pressures but also depends on the interaction between work pressures and individual capabilities. Women, for various reasons such as social expectations, family responsibilities, and work environment, may be more susceptible to job stress (Karasek, 1979; Majidi et al., 2017).
Research shows that job stress can negatively impact employee performance and productivity. Productivity, as one of the key indicators in evaluating organizational performance, is strongly influenced by the mental and psychological state of employees. A decrease in productivity due to job stress can lead to a decline in service quality, an increase in errors, and ultimately a reduction in overall organizational performance (Ganster & Rosen, 2013). This issue is particularly important in banks, where high accuracy and speed are required.
Many studies have shown that women, due to the multiple pressures they face in work and home environments, may be more exposed to job stress than men. For example, a study by Vakili et al. (2018) indicated that women working in bank branches, due to work and family pressures, are more exposed to stress than men, and this issue directly affects their productivity. These results are consistent with findings from other international studies showing that women face higher levels of stress in work environments (Verbruggen & Ryan, 2018).
One of the significant factors in creating job stress is role conflicts, which occur when an individual is expected to perform multiple roles simultaneously. In banking environments, women may face expectations that require them to simultaneously fulfill job responsibilities and family duties. These role conflicts can lead to job stress and directly affect their productivity (Beehr & Newman, 1978; Hosseini et al., 2019).
Additionally, studies have shown that management style and leadership can significantly impact job stress among employees. For example, an authoritarian leadership style, where managers make decisions centrally without employee participation, can lead to increased job stress and decreased job satisfaction (Johnson & Hall, 1988; Rostami et al., 2017). In contrast, participatory leadership styles, where employees are involved in decision-making, can help reduce job stress and increase satisfaction and productivity (Smith, 2018).
Research shows that reducing job stress can lead to increased employee productivity. For example, a study conducted by Wang et al. (2020) in a bank showed that reducing job stress significantly increased female employees' productivity. This issue indicates that bank managers should consider reducing job stress as an important strategy for improving productivity.
Types of Models for Coping with Job Stress
Coping Model: This model is widely used in psychology studies to explain individuals' reactions to job stress. Women may use various strategies, including problem-focused coping (such as directly solving the problem or changing the situation) and emotion-focused coping (such as reducing emotional tension or seeking social support).
For example, research by Folkman and Lazarus (1988) indicates that individuals use different strategies to cope with stress, depending on the situation and individual characteristics.
Social Support Model: This model emphasizes the importance of social networks and social support in reducing women's job stress. Women typically turn to friends, family, and colleagues for support and stress reduction.
Cohen and Wills (1985) found in their research that social support can act as a buffer, reducing the negative effects of stress on mental health.
Work-Life Balance Model: This model emphasizes the balance between job commitments and personal life. Research shows that women, by using flexible policies at work and effective time management, can reduce their stress levels.
Greenhaus and Beutell (1985) stated in their article that role conflict between job and family responsibilities is one of the most important sources of stress for working women.
Personality Traits Model: This model emphasizes the role of personality traits in coping with job stress. Traits such as resilience, flexibility, and self-efficacy can be effective in reducing stress and improving coping with stressful situations.
Carver and Connor-Smith (2010) have shown in their research that different personality traits can act as determining factors in an individual's response to stress.
This research aims to examine the impact of increased job stress on the productivity of female employees in five bank branches in Iran. In this study, 20 female employees from these branches were closely examined to analyze the relationship between job stress and their productivity. The research seeks to provide strategies for reducing job stress and improving productivity in banking environments by examining various factors influencing job stress.
The results of this study can help bank managers and decision-makers better understand the factors affecting job stress and take actions to reduce it, ultimately improving female employees' productivity. Additionally, this study can serve as a valuable resource for future research in the field of job stress management and productivity improvement in organizations.
روش ها
Research Methodology
- Type of Research
This research is of a descriptive-analytical type, which examines the relationship between job stress and productivity among female employees working in bank branches in Iran. The descriptive method is employed to provide an accurate picture of the current state of job stress and productivity in these branches, while the analytical method is used to analyze and evaluate the relationships and effects of various variables on each other.
The descriptive-analytical approach is chosen because it allows researchers to not only describe the current situation precisely but also to analyze the relationships between different variables and examine their potential impacts. In this study, the goal is to determine whether job stress affects the productivity of female employees, and if so, to what extent and through which mechanisms.
- Population
The population of this research includes all female employees working in bank branches across Iran. Given the wide geographical distribution of banks throughout Iran, selecting a large and representative population from the entire group of female bank employees is not feasible. Therefore, for this research, five bank branches in various cities of Iran have been selected as representative samples.
These branches were randomly chosen from different state-owned and private banks to obtain a comprehensive picture of the state of job stress and productivity among female bank employees. Generally, the population consists of female employees with various job positions (such as clerks, managers, accountants, etc.) in these five branches. - Sampling
A simple random sampling method was used for this research. Given the large and dispersed population, selecting a representative sample through this method is feasible. Accordingly, 20 female employees from the five selected branches were chosen as the sample.
This sample size was selected considering the research's time and financial constraints and the need for precision and depth in data analysis. The selected samples include employees with different job positions and work experiences to allow for a comprehensive and representative analysis. - Data Collection Tools
To collect the necessary data, standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. The questionnaires were designed to gather quantitative data, while the interviews were aimed at obtaining qualitative and more in-depth data.
- Questionnaires: The questionnaires included questions about stressors in the work environment, the level of job stress experienced, and employee productivity. These questionnaires were based on standard and internationally recognized questionnaires used in similar studies. The questionnaires included both closed and open-ended questions to collect the required data accurately.
- Semi-structured Interviews: The interviews were conducted to gain qualitative information and a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of employees in dealing with job stress and its effects on their productivity. These interviews included questions about how employees cope with stress, the impact of stress on their performance and personal life, and their suggestions for reducing job stress.
- Data Analysis Methods
The data collected through the questionnaires and interviews were analyzed using statistical methods and qualitative analysis.
- Quantitative Data Analysis: The quantitative data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS. This analysis included descriptive statistical methods (such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution) and inferential statistical methods (such as T-tests, analysis of variance, and regression analysis). These analyses help researchers identify and examine the relationship between job stress and productivity.
- Qualitative Data Analysis: The qualitative data collected from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. This method helps identify patterns and key themes in employees' experiences and allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of job stress on productivity.
- Ethical Considerations
In conducting this research, special attention was given to ethical principles and considerations. All participants in this research voluntarily participated with full awareness of the research objectives and the use of their data. Additionally, all collected information was kept confidential, and no personal information of the participants will be published in the final report.
Participants had the right to withdraw from the research at any stage, and no pressure was exerted on them to participate. Furthermore, all participants were assured that the research results would only be used in aggregate form for scientific and research purposes.
- Research Limitations
Despite careful design and the use of appropriate methods, this research faces several limitations that may affect the results. These limitations include the small sample size, time and financial constraints, and the potential impact of environmental and social conditions on the results. Additionally, the limited access to all bank branches across Iran and the focus on a small number of branches may not fully represent the entire country.
نتایج
Results
This section presents the findings obtained from the analysis of data collected through questionnaires and interviews. These findings thoroughly examine the impact of job stress on the productivity of female employees in five selected bank branches in Iran, addressing the research questions and hypotheses.
- Descriptive Data Analysis
Initially, the descriptive data related to the demographic characteristics of the research sample are examined. This data includes information such as age, work experience, job position, and educational level of the female employees in the five bank branches studied.
- Average Age of Female Employees: The average age of the female employees participating in the study is 35.2 years. This indicates that most female employees are in the mid-stages of their careers.
- Work Experience: The average work experience of the female employees is 10.5 years, reflecting their considerable experience in the banking environment.
- Job Position: Among the 20 participants, 60% work as clerks, 25% as managers, and 15% as accountants.
- Educational Level: 50% of the employees hold a bachelor's degree, 35% have a master's degree, and 15% have a diploma.
- Level of Job Stress Among Female Employees
Data analysis reveals that the level of job stress among female employees working in bank branches is significantly high. Key factors contributing to this stress include high workload, the need for precision and speed in performing tasks, and role conflicts between job responsibilities and family duties.
- Job Stress Indicators: According to the questionnaires, 70% of female employees reported experiencing stress at work most of the time or always. Additionally, 85% of the employees believe that job stress has decreased their job satisfaction.
- Stress Factors: High workload (80%), the need for high accuracy (75%), and constant interaction with customers (65%) were identified as the main stressors in the banking environment.
- Impact of Job Stress on Productivity
One of the primary hypotheses of the research is that job stress negatively affects the productivity of female employees. Data analysis confirms this hypothesis, showing that job stress directly contributes to reduced productivity among female employees.
- Productivity Decline: 60% of the female employees stated that job stress significantly reduced their performance and productivity. Moreover, regression analysis indicates that each unit increase in job stress levels results in an average decrease of 0.3 units in employee productivity.
- Significant Relationship Between Stress and Productivity: The results of the T-test show a significant difference in productivity between employees with high-stress levels and those with low-stress levels (p < 0.05).
- Gender Differences and Job Impacts
Another aspect of the research examines gender differences in the experience of job stress and its impact on productivity. The results indicate that women are more exposed to job stress in the banking environment than men, and this directly affects their productivity.
- Role Conflicts and Stress: 75% of female employees reported that balancing job responsibilities with family duties is one of their main challenges, leading to increased job stress and decreased focus on tasks.
- Job Position and Stress: Employees in managerial positions experience higher levels of job stress compared to regular employees. This suggests that higher responsibilities and the need for critical decision-making contribute to increased stress among female managers.
- Strategies for Reducing Job Stress and Increasing Productivity
In interviews with female employees, several suggestions were made for reducing job stress and improving productivity. These suggestions include managerial and organizational actions that can help reduce stress and increase productivity.- Improving Leadership Style: 65% of the employees suggested that a participatory and supportive leadership style could help reduce job stress. They believe that greater employee participation in decision-making and positive feedback could increase motivation and reduce stress.
- Work-Life Balance Programs: 70% of the employees emphasized the importance of balancing work and personal life and suggested that flexible work programs and organizational support could help reduce stress and increase productivity.
- Psychological and Social Support: Providing psychological counseling services and holding stress management training courses were among the suggestions made by 55% of the employees.
- Qualitative Analysis of Employee Experiences
The qualitative analysis of the interview data shows that female employees in bank branches face multiple challenges in managing job stress. They continuously struggle with role conflicts, work pressures, and social expectations to simultaneously fulfill job and family responsibilities.
- Personal Experiences of Job Stress: One employee stated in an interview, "I wake up every day with anxiety, not knowing how I will complete all my tasks. I feel constantly pressured, which makes it difficult for me to focus fully on my work."
- Negative Impacts on Personal Life: Some employees reported that job stress directly affected their personal lives, causing issues such as insomnia, anxiety, and a decrease in the quality of life.
بحث ها
- Interpretation of Findings
The findings of this research indicate that job stress significantly impacts the productivity of female employees in bank branches in Iran. One of the key results is that 70% of female employees reported experiencing high levels of job stress in their work environment. This high level of job stress directly leads to reduced productivity, with 60% of the participants stating that job stress has decreased their performance and productivity.
These findings highlight that job stress not only has negative effects on the mental and physical health of female employees but also directly impacts their job performance and productivity. The negative relationship between job stress and productivity identified in this study suggests that managing job stress should be a primary focus in managerial policies within banking environments.
- Comparison with Previous Studies
The results obtained from this research align with the findings of previous studies on job stress and productivity. For instance, a study by Wang et al. (2020) showed that job stress negatively affects employee productivity. The present study confirms this negative relationship, demonstrating that higher levels of job stress among female employees correlate with lower productivity.
Additionally, the results of this research are consistent with studies that have examined gender differences in the experience of job stress. Previous research has shown that women are more exposed to job stress than men due to role conflicts and social pressures. This study also found that female employees experience higher levels of stress due to the conflict between job and family responsibilities.
- Responses to Research Questions and Hypotheses
- Question 1: To what extent is job stress prevalent among female employees in Iranian bank branches?
Findings indicate that job stress is highly prevalent among female employees in bank branches. 70% of the female employees surveyed reported experiencing high levels of job stress most of the time. - Question 2: What are the main factors contributing to job stress in the banking environment for female employees?
The main factors contributing to job stress in the banking environment include high workload, the need for high precision and speed in tasks, and role conflicts between job and family responsibilities. - Question 3: How does job stress affect the productivity of female employees in bank branches?
The research shows that job stress directly leads to reduced productivity among female employees. This reduction in productivity results from decreased focus, increased errors, and lower motivation to perform tasks. - Question 4: Is there a difference in job stress and productivity levels based on job position and work experience among female employees?
Findings suggest that employees in managerial positions experience higher levels of job stress compared to regular employees. This is due to higher responsibilities and the need for more sensitive decision-making in these positions. - Question 5: What strategies can be proposed to reduce job stress and increase the productivity of female employees in banks?
Strategies such as improving leadership style, creating a balance between work and personal life, and providing psychological and social support can help reduce job stress and increase productivity.
- Question 1: To what extent is job stress prevalent among female employees in Iranian bank branches?
- Managerial and Practical Implications
The findings of this research underscore the necessity of managing job stress in banking environments. Bank managers should pay special attention to the level of job stress among female employees and adopt appropriate strategies to reduce this stress and, consequently, improve employee productivity.
One practical implication of this research is that banks should create educational and support programs for their female employees to help them better manage job stress. Additionally, creating a supportive and participatory work environment where employees feel valued and supported can lead to reduced stress and increased productivity.
- Research Limitations
Although this research aimed to comprehensively examine the impact of job stress on the productivity of female employees in Iranian bank branches, it faced certain limitations. One of the main limitations is the small sample size and focus on a limited number of bank branches, which may not make the results fully generalizable to the entire country. Furthermore, time and financial constraints limited the research's ability to fully explore all aspects of the topic.
- Suggestions for Future Research
Given the limitations of this research, it is recommended that future studies conduct a broader and more in-depth examination of the impact of job stress on productivity in Iranian bank branches. Using larger and more diverse samples could increase the accuracy and validity of the results. Additionally, exploring the impact of job stress on other aspects of organizational performance, such as customer satisfaction and the quality of banking services, could provide interesting and useful topics for future research.
نتیجه گیری
- Final Summary
This research examined the impact of job stress on the productivity of female employees in bank branches across Iran. The findings revealed that job stress is a significant factor contributing to reduced productivity among female bank employees. High workload, the need for precision and speed in task execution, and role conflicts between job responsibilities and family duties were identified as the primary stressors in the banking environment.
Data analysis showed that high levels of job stress not only negatively affect the mental and physical health of employees but also directly lead to decreased productivity. Additionally, it was found that female employees in managerial positions face higher levels of job stress compared to other employees, indicating the need for special support for this group.
- Importance of Managing Job Stress
Managing job stress in banking environments is crucial as employee productivity is directly linked to the overall performance of the organization and customer satisfaction. Chronic job stress can lead to a decline in service quality, increased errors, and even more serious issues such as higher turnover rates and reduced employee motivation. Therefore, it is essential for bank managers to seriously address job stress and implement effective strategies to mitigate it. - Practical Recommendations
Based on the findings of this research, the following recommendations are proposed to reduce job stress and increase productivity in Iranian bank branches:- Develop Educational Programs: Educational programs on job stress management and enhancing coping skills can help employees better manage job stress. These programs can include workshops, psychological counseling, and practical strategies for managing stress.
- Improve Leadership Style: Creating participatory and supportive leadership styles, where employees feel that their opinions and suggestions are valued in organizational decision-making, can reduce job stress and increase motivation and productivity.
- Work-Life Balance Programs: Implementing flexible work programs and supporting work-life balance can help reduce job stress and improve employees' quality of life. These programs might include flexible working hours, remote work options, and increased vacation time for employees.
- Psychological and Social Support: Providing psychological counseling services and social support, such as support groups, can help employees better cope with job and family stress. These supports can be particularly beneficial for female employees facing role conflicts.
- Continuous Monitoring of Job Stress: Establishing continuous job stress monitoring systems within organizations can help quickly identify problems and implement preventive measures. These systems could include periodic assessments of employee stress levels and analysis of stress-inducing factors.
- Long-Term Impacts and Benefits of Managing Job Stress
Effective management of job stress can have long-term positive impacts on organizational performance. Reducing job stress can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved service quality, lower turnover rates, and higher employee commitment to the organization. Additionally, higher employee productivity allows organizations to better cope with economic and competitive challenges, leading to greater long-term success.
Moreover, incorporating job stress management as part of organizational culture can enhance the organization's brand and attract talented individuals. Organizations that prioritize the mental health and well-being of their employees are typically seen as desirable and attractive workplaces, which can help in attracting and retaining high-quality human resources.
- Importance of Future Research
Given the limitations of this study, further research is needed in this area. Future studies are encouraged to more precisely examine the impact of job stress on various aspects of organizational performance, particularly customer satisfaction. Additionally, investigating the long-term effects of intervention programs aimed at reducing job stress and evaluating their outcomes could be interesting topics for future research.
Further research in this area can contribute to the development of scientific knowledge and provide more practical solutions for managing job stress and improving productivity in organizations. Especially in countries like Iran, where the banking system plays a critical role in the economy, attention to these issues can lead to the overall improvement of the financial and economic system.
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