Stress can actually improve employee performance, but consistency is key. Research conducted by Dr. Troy Smith, assistant professor of management, and his colleagues studied on-the-job stress among employees at restaurants and a university.
“Some level of stress can be good. Others are more conflicting and get in the way of accomplishing goals. That type of stress is difficult and makes it very challenging to perform at a high level.”
Responsibilities or tasks which help employees grow in their jobs, meet their goals and feel good about what they're doing are challenge stressors.
Smith believes managers should not allow situations like the COVID-19 pandemic to get in the way of consistently challenging employees.
“Consistent levels of stressors allow people to anticipate the stress they're going to have in weeks to come and as a result, they actually cope better. We find that when the overall stress experienced drops, the performance increases because they can anticipate the stress,” Smith said.
When that stress fluctuates, employees struggle. Hindrance stressors, such as inconsistent demands, get in the way of effective performance.
“They'll be less attentive, have much more anxiety and will not perform as well across time if you're always fluctuating. But, if you can gradually ramp it up, you'll see greater performance,” he said.
As COVID-19 redefines the workplace, managers can help employees navigate uncertainty. Smith recommends providing a consistent level of challenge without overburdening employees and include them in decision-making.
“Research shows that if you can give information about why you’re doing things, then employees are far more likely to accept what your providing them. When possible, ask them for guidance.”
At a time of stress, consistency helps employees survive and thrive.