Stress management and employee productivity in commercial banks in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of stress management on employee productivity with Standard Chartered Bank as a case study. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the relationship between training programs and employee productivity; determine the relationship between communication and employee productivity; assess the relationship between teamwork and employee productivity; and establish the relationship between defense mechanisms and employee productivity at SCB. Using a cross sectional survey design with a population of 154 was selected. Responses were collected from 104 respondents out of 127. The study found a positive and significant relationship between training programs and employee productivity with values of (r = 0.541**, p<.01). The study found a low significant and positive relationship between communication and employee productivity (r = 0.443**, p<.01). The study found a significant and positive relationship between teamwork and employee productivity (r = 0.413**, p<.01). The study found a significant and positive relationship between defense mechanisms and employee productivity (r = 0.375**, p<.01). From the findings: training programs, communication, teamwork and defense mechanisms had positive significant relationships on employee productivity. From the findings, training programs, communication, teamwork and defense mechanisms determined 41.7% of the change in employee productivity (Adjusted R Square = .417). In conclusion, all the findings on the relationships between training programs, communication, teamwork and defense mechanisms revealed significant influences on employee productivity. The study recommended that; the management of SCB should develop strategies which support training programs, communication, teamwork and defense mechanisms to enhance the employee productivity at the bank. The strategies will help promote the development and implementation of stress management which will in turn enhance employee productivity quality service delivery and timely accomplishment of tasks.