EFFECTS OF JOB STRESS ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of job induced stress on employees’ performance in the banking industry in Benin City. Specifically, the objectives of this study are to ascertain the extent to which job demand, role conflict and role ambiguity induced stress influence employees ‘performance in the banking industry in Benin City. To achieve the objectives of this study, 335 copies of questionnaires were distributed to employees in First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) , Union Bank, Guaranty Trust bank (GTbank), Zenith Bank and Access Bank in their headquarters in Benin City. The data elicited from the questionnaires are analyzed with descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares technique. The study reveals that all the job induced stress: job demand, role conflict and role ambiguity negatively and significantly influence employees’ performance in the banking industry in Benin City. On the basis of this, the study recommends that managements of banks should eliminate time pressure to meet target, reduce long working hours and workloads associated with job demand by allowing employees to personally schedule work activities and hours to work per day, per week or months during the working days .More so, they should ensure employees report to one supervisor and not being given incompatible work activities at the same time to do; and given sufficient and clear information about their role expectations with promptly and regularly clear feedback on their performance.