The Effect of Occupational Stress on Work Performance of Female Employees: Study in Indonesia

Abstract

Occupational stress plays an important role in determining the performance of (female) employees in a company. This occupational stress is heavily influenced by internal factors that originate from within the organisation as well as external factors that originate from outside the organisation. It is therefore important to realise and understand its existence. Occupational stress can also bring either positive or negative effects on the performance of employees, depending on the level of stress perceived by employees. The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence exerted by stressors and occupational stress on the performance of female employees, the moderating influence of demographic variables on the relationship between stressors and the performance of female employees and also the relationship between occupational stress and the performance of female employees. This study employed a sample of 108 female employees working in one of the biggest tollway operators in Indonesia. A hierarchical regression analysis method was adopted in the data analysis process. From the findings, it can be concluded that stressors and occupational stress significantly influence the performance of the female employees either simultaneously or partially, and that occupational stress predominantly affects the performance of the female employees prior to the addition of demographic variables. Demographic variables strengthen the relationship between stressors and performance, and weaken the relationship between occupational stress and performance. This indicates that demographic variables have a role in moderating the relationship of stressors and occupational stress with the performance of female employees.