EFFECT OF STRESS MANAGEMENT ON STAFF JOB SATISFACTION IN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the effect of stress management practices on employee job satisfaction within the Department of Public Administration at the University of Benin. Employee job satisfaction is paramount for organizational success, particularly in the public sector where staff play crucial roles in fulfilling institutional objectives. However, the prevalence of stress among public university employees pose a significant challenge to job satisfaction and overall well-being.Employing a mixed-methods approach, including survey and interview, this study aims to explore the relationship between stress management interventions and employee job satisfaction levels specifically within the Department of Public Administration, University of Benin. Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed to a representative sample of departmental staff members, while qualitative insights were gleaned through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders.This Study was guided by three objectives and three research questions. Responses from the questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Science 21. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used in analysing demographic variables and research question while Chi-Square was used to test the stated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that better stress management practices in the Department of Public Administration, University of Benin will result in an overall improved job satisfaction in the organization as a whole. Also, those who had less job-related stressors performed better and enjoyed their jobs more than those that had quite a number of job-related stressors. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the department develop and implement structured stress management programs tailored to address the specific stressors identified within the department, improve communication channels within the department to ensure that employees are well-informed about stress management initiatives, resources and organizational changes. Transparent communication fosters trust and collaboration, which are essential for managing stress.