The Identification of Factors Causing Stress Which Effect Employees' Performance at PTCL (

Abstract

1.1 Background In today’s dynamic business world employees are faced with more uncertain conditions than before and these conditions lead to stress among employees. Stress can affect the task performed by the employees as well as the work environment. There are different factors that affect the performance of employees such as work burden, task deadlines, organizational culture etc. However, the level of affect varies among employees and this eventually affects the work as well as behavioral performance of employees.

Work place pressure and stress is a serious issue and it is growing day by day. “Stress means unhealthy physical or emotional attitude which occur when the job requirements do not match with the capabilities of the individual or when he is not satisfied with the work” (Glaze and Gyurak, 2008, p.19). It is a common problem which is faced by many organizations and it always has an impact on the performance of employees.

Performance means the results, outcomes and accomplishments treasured by the organization or system that one works in. It is a real fact that the working environment of the organization directly affects the performance of employees. “Work place pressure affects the performance at a greater extent and it needs to be dealt with, carefully” (Moten, 2009, p.5).

PTCL is considered to be Pakistan’s biggest profit earners but the employees have not had a pay increase since the year 1998. In 2006, Etisalat acquired a 26% strategic stake of PTCL along with management control (www.ptcl.com.pk). This led to an increased level of stress among employees due to the changed and new vision and policies of new management. Furthermore, because of this the employees are uncertain about their future growth and jobs which is creating a stressful environment in the organization. PTCL’s value was a lot more because it is one of the strongest structures in Asia.