An Investigation of Stress Levels and its Influence on Job Performance among Secondary School Teachers:A Case of Uasin-Gishu District-Kenya

Abstract

Teaching being a helping profession makes teachers more susceptible to stress and bumout. Teaching is considered as one occupation with high levels of stress and burnout brought either by the nature of the job or the teacher’s upbringing, expectations and personality. Teachers are facing pressures fiorn variables such as handling indisciplined students, time pressure, low status and conflicts with colleagues. At individual level, stress affects both the physical and mental health while at the working place; it affects job performance and interpersonal relationships. The study aimed at investigating the levels of stress and its influence on job performance among the secondary school teachers of Uasin-Gishu District. It aimed at determining the teachers stress levels based on the employee level and its influence on job performance. This survey further sought to investigate whether stress intervention measures were available. The population of secondary school teachers in Uasin- Gishu District is 1091; a sample of 187 was obtained through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. 175 questionnaires were filled and collected while 12 questionnaires were never collected. Data was collected using a questionnaire and self-report test based on an adapted stress inventory .The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with an aid of Version 11.8 of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Computer programme. The research came out with the following findings; most respondents were in the 30-39 age bracket and were married. Majority of them were in zone 3, 4 and 5 thus were said to be experiencing high levels of stress. Certain amount of stress was deemed necessary for normal functioning though a good percentage said they don’! perform well when stressed, and was unable to meet deadlines. 83.6 % of the respondents said that Employee Assistance Programmes were available. In view of the above findings, it is recommended that teachers be sensitized on the consequences of high levels of stress, guidance and counseling be made available in every school to assist the stressed teachers. Head teachers need to be sensitized on better management skills, that Employee Assistance Programme be strengthened and ways be found to reduce teachers’ heavy workloads. The findings of the study would be useful to secondary school management, Teachers Service Commission and the of Education