Between Waves and Deadlines: The Impact of Workplace Stress on Job Performance of Port Workers in Onne and Port Harcourt

Abstract

This study examined the impact of occupational stress on job performance among seaport workers in Onne and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The primary aim was to assess how workplace stress influences employees' concentration, efficiency, problem-solving, and overall productivity. Specific objectives included quantifying stress levels across job categories, evaluating its effect on operational performance, and identifying departmental differences in stress-related outcomes. A comparative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, integrating quantitative data from structured questionnaires administered to 384 respondents and qualitative insights from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Physiological stress indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, glucose, cholesterol, and cortisol levels, were measured post-shift to capture objective stress responses. Findings revealed that occupational stress significantly affects job performance across both ports. In Onne, 35.3 percent of workers reported frequent stress-related errors, while 30.4 percent indicated moderate effects; Port Harcourt recorded 36.2 percent “often” and 29.4 percent “sometimes” errors. Stress also reduced operational efficiency, with over 70 percent of respondents in both ports experiencing moderate to high declines in meeting deadlines. Problem-solving responsiveness was affected in 66 to 68 percent of employees, and more than 75 percent reported reduced overall productivity. Regression analysis confirmed that occupational stress is a significant predictor of job performance (B = 0.621, β = 0.742, p = 0.002), explaining 55 percent of performance variance. ANOVA results further indicated statistically significant differences in performance across stress levels (F = 9.87, p = 0.001). The study concluded that occupational stress is a pervasive challenge adversely affecting port operations and employee output. Recommendations include implementing stress management programs, regulating workloads through task rotation, and enhancing supervisory support to improve employee well-being and operational efficiency.