WORKPLACE STRESS, WELL-BEING AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The study investigated workplace stress, well-being and sustainable performance of academic staff in public universities. The objectives of this study are to examine how the mental health outcomes of workplace stress can impair the quality functioning of academic staff of public universities, investigate how workplace stress can affect the physical health and well-being of academic staff of public universities, and to explore workplace stress coping strategies for sustainable job performance of academic staff of public universities. The study adopted Lazarus & Folkman’s (1984) transactional stress and coping theory. However, the cross-sectional research design, and random sampling technique were also utilized in administering structured questionnaire to respondents in three public universities in Imo State. The data retrieved were analyzed and presented on tables in percentage. Findings of the study shows that there are mental health outcomes of workplace stress on the physical health and well-being of academic staff, and that workplace stress coping strategies can enable sustainable job performance of academic staff. Based on the findings, management in public universities should provide good welfare and health services for the care of the mental health, work stability, well-being as well as the quality functioning of academic staff in public universities. Government should provide public universities with ultra-modern health facilities that can freely handle all physical health problems and well-being of academic staff in public universities. Academic employees should avoid negative workplace coping strategies, and adopt the positive coping strategies that effectively and efficiently support sustainable job performance in public universities.