In today’s fast-paced world, workplace stress has become an unavoidable challenge for many professionals. From tight deadlines to long working hours and increasing demand, employees often feel overwhelmed and drained.
Dr. Banji Adesoji, a consultant psychiatrist at Ikorodu General Hospital, explained that workplace stress can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, making it challenging to maintain productivity and overall well-being.
However, he emphasised the significance of comprehending the essence of stress and its impact on performance in achieving a harmonious and satisfying work-life balance.
Adesoji said that stress is the body’s natural response to any change that requires adaptation, adding: “It manifests physically, mentally and emotionally, affecting people differently.”
He explained that stress can be classified into two types: eustress and distress. Eustress, often called ‘good stress’, boosts performance and motivation. For instance, the pressure of an upcoming examination can motivate students to study harder and enhance their retention. On the other hand, distress negatively affects productivity, causing fatigue, anxiety and even burnout.
A toxic work environment, job insecurity or lack of resources can contribute to this harmful form of stress, he noted.
The body reacts to stress by releasing hormones, primarily adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response, while cortisol sustains the body’s reaction to prolonged stress. When stress levels remain high over an extended period, they can result in various symptoms, including reduced work efficiency, constant fatigue, social withdrawal, weight fluctuations and increased reliance on medication.
Adesoji highlighted the link between stress and productivity, explaining that a certain level of stress is necessary to reach optimal performance.
However, he added that once peak performance is achieved, excessive stress leads to diminishing returns. “The journey from fatigue to exhaustion, then anxiety, and eventually burnout, follows an inverse relationship—too much stress results in decreased efficiency.
Burnout, he explained, is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
“While stress is often characterized by an overwhelming number of responsibilities, burnout feels like an emotional void, where nothing seems enough, and motivation is lost.
“People experiencing burnout feel drained, disconnected, and unable to meet work demands. Unlike stress, which makes people feel as though they are drowning in responsibilities, burnout leaves them feeling empty and dried up.
“The major workplace stressors include workload, work-life balance issues, job insecurity, lack of purpose, office politics and insufficient resources. While stress cannot be eliminated, managing it effectively is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being. Employers and employees alike must recognise stress symptoms, evaluate their work environment regularly, and implement strategies to reduce stress,” he stated.
Adesoji recommended several stress management techniques, including maintaining a healthy work-life balance, engaging in time management training, exercising for at least 30 minutes three times a week, spending time in nature, and practising mindfulness through meditation or yoga.
He emphasized that stress is not inherently bad, rather, failing to manage it responsibly is the real issue, saying: “The key to success is continuously learning, adapting, and finding ways to balance stress for optimal productivity.”
A recent study published in the International Journal of Advanced Research explored the relationship between workplace stress, delayed promotions and welfare packages.
The study surveyed 138 workers from federal, state and private sector ministries, agencies, and departments, comprising both male and female participants.
Researchers used a self-developed scale to assess stress levels and workplace conditions.
The findings challenged common assumptions about job-related stress.
Contrary to expectations, the study revealed, that delayed promotion did not necessarily contribute to workplace stress.
While many employees aspire to career advancement, the lack of immediate promotion was not a significant stress factor. Instead, the research found that workplace welfare packages played a crucial role in determining stress levels among employees.
Poor welfare conditions, such as inadequate healthcare benefits, lack of incentives, and insufficient work-life balance measures, were strongly linked to increased job stress.
Given these findings, the study recommended that organizations prioritize functional and comprehensive welfare packages to improve employee well-being and productivity.
Addressing welfare concerns, rather than solely focusing on promotions, could create a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Similarly, Mytherapist.ng highlighted the widespread nature of workplace stress in Nigeria and beyond.
It noted that stress arises when job demands exceed an employee’s ability to cope, often due to heavy workloads, tight deadlines, difficult colleagues and lack of support.
The platform advised that managing stress effectively requires self-awareness, good time management and proactive coping strategies.
Seeking professional counsel could also help employees develop resilience and improve their work experience.
While career progression remains important, the study emphasizes that employee welfare plays a more significant role in reducing workplace stress.
It urged organisations to invest in better welfare policies to enhance employee satisfaction and overall productivity.
