The Influence of Workplace Stress on Employees’ Performance at Mbeya Regional Hospital, Tanzania

The study aimed at assessing the influence of workplace stress on employee’s performance at Mbeya Regional Hospital, Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to assess the employees’ performance, to assess the stress levels among employees, and to determine the extent to which employees’ performance is related to their stress levels. A cross sectional survey research design was used on a sample of 120 respondents attained through stratified sampling and convenience sampling techniques. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical and multiple regression analysis were used in analyzing the data with the aid of SPSS version 20. Findings reveal that majority of doctors; nurses and medical attendants experience high level of job performance accompanied with moderate level of work stress. The total work stress scores were statistically significantly positively related to employees’ performance. However, the results also showed that workplace stress subscales were insignificantly positively related to employees’ performance. The results suggest that work place stress keeps employees on their toes leading to better performance. It is recommended therefore that for the hospital to maintain the current and future performance levels, its management should moderate stress levels in order to harness the positive side of work place stress, short of which the negatives side of work place stress may prevail. Keywords: Employee performance/ job performance, work place stress/occupational stress, doctors, nurses, medical attendant Tanzania