Study Of The Effects Of Stress On Modern Secretaries
(A Case Study Of PHCN Zonal Headquarters Enugu)
In the contemporary professional landscape, the role of secretaries has evolved significantly, demanding adept multitasking, organizational prowess, and adaptability. However, this transformation has also brought about heightened levels of stress, manifesting in various dimensions. The incessant demands of managing diverse tasks, navigating complex communication channels, and catering to the needs of multiple stakeholders can result in heightened stress levels among modern secretaries. Moreover, the advent of digital technologies, while enhancing efficiency, has also intensified the pace of work, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life. This perpetual connectivity exacerbates stress, as secretaries often find themselves constantly tethered to work obligations. Additionally, the pressure to maintain high standards of performance amidst evolving job roles and expectations can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. Consequently, stress among modern secretaries not only impacts their mental and emotional well-being but also has implications for productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organizational effectiveness. Thus, addressing stress in this context necessitates holistic interventions that encompass supportive work environments, effective stress management strategies, and opportunities for skill development and self-care.
The main aim of this project work is to find out the causes of stress, its effects on modern secretaries and the possible solutions in NEPA zonal Headquarter Enugu.
In chapter two, the view of various writers that were related to the topic were stated and reviewed.
Questionnaire items were used to collect information from the respondents which were analyzed by simple percentages.
In chapter three, forty secretaries were selected and supervised and all of them returned their questionnaires which were distributed to them. Also, instrument used for data collection, method of data analysis and the sampling techniques all contained in this chapter.
Chapter four deals with the analysis and interpretation of results which were analyzed by simple percentages.
Finally, in chapter five, findings, conclusion, recommendations and references were included.
Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of problems
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Scope of the study
1.6 Research questions.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.
2.1 Managing stress in an organization.
2.2 What does stress mean
2.3 Who is a secretary
2.4 Function of a secretary
2.5 Who is an under secretary
2.6 Sources of stress
2.7 Stress and body adaptation
2.8 Types of cognitive training
2.9 Social and management factors in stress
2.10 Prevention and remedy of stress
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research design
3.2 Location and description of the case study
3.3 Instrument for data collection
3.4 Population of the study
3.5 Selection of sample
3.6 Validity of the instrument.
3.7 Reliability of instrument
3.8 Method of data analysis
3.9 Method of administration
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA.
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, IMPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Discussion of findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Implication
5.4 Recommendation
5.5 Suggestion for further research
5.6 Limitation of the study
References
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
A family gets disorganized when the man and the woman lack the ability to manage the affairs of the home. The effects of this ugly situation sometimes encompasses the societal problems extending to our homes, offices and school system.
The inability of the modern secretaries to perform well in an organizes and like NEPA Headquarters Enugu, affects the goals, the aims, the objectives of the organization.
When a secretary is struggling to meet up with the requirements of the organization, she is often exposed to stress. Stress is a condition causes by hardship. Pressure, disquiet. It normally comes in many forms. It may be in the form of dejection, restlessness, mental fatigue, anger or confusion. Stress is also a body condition that may occur when a person faces a threatening or unfamiliar situation. Such situation include illness, the loss of a job and even a promotion or being elected class president.
Stress causes a person energy and strength to decrease temporarily. The body also increase its defenses against diseases. It stress continues for weeks or months, it may damage or exhaust certain organs and lead to various illness.
Causes of stress are called stressors. They may include any usual demand on a person’s body or mind. Illness causes stress because it forces the body to activate its defenses against diseases. Stress also results when the body must heal an injury or adapt to environmental hazard. In addition stress may also occur when a person must adapt to unfamiliar situation whether favorable or unfavorable. For example a secretary who is a woman is subjected to pressure from all sides. She pursues a career in addition to running a family or home.
A change in a person’s income, marital status, place of residence or even diet may also trigger off stress. A person’s physical condition affects his or her ability to handle stressors.
Stress alters the functioning of most parts of the body, including the brain, the muscles and the internal organs. These changes increases a person’s ability to meet a variety of stressors. Stress begins with certain bodily changes that last from a few minutes to a few hours. Their effect include keener senses and increased energy and strength. They heighten the body’s ability to check inflammation and to destroy germs and poison. Stress also causes the body to build up its stores of sugar, which supplies energy. Prolonged stress ,ay temporarily exhaust the adrenal glands or other organs that help the body maintain enough energy and resist diseases. As a result, a person may feel extremely fatigued and have little ability to fight illness. Lengthily stress also weakened the skin and internal membranes.
Other conditions associated with stress include high-blood pressure and long term malfunction of such gland as the adrenal, pancreas, pituitary, and the thyroid. Stress also has been identified as a causes of hypertension.
When a man is unable to meet up with his responsibilities to his family, he is often exposed to stress. It may lead to high-blood pressure, perhaps death.
Stress is an outcome of excessive workload to meet up with the firms objectives. It is common knowledge that people get sick when they are unned down. Stress leads to frustration, dejection and aggressiveness. Itcan weigh one down. Stress ridden people to tend to get ill more frequenting than others.
It is the opinion of the researchers that the effect of stress is not only having a devastating blow on the health of the modern secretary but also on the bit lives of the enterprise and the society at large.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In this research work, the researchers want to identify how modern secretaries suffer stress in NEPA Headquarter Enugu. It happened that one of our friends, is a staff in NEPA Zonal Headquarters, Enugu. She complains a lot that her work as a secretary is cumbersome and that there is no time for her to finish her duty and also it causes stress to her. This was because she went to the hospital, after diagnosis, the doctor said that she has no problem except stress.
Many secretaries face stress in their places of work and this is why the researcher wants to go into research to identify the meaning of stress, the causes, the effect and the possible solution to it.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is
a. To carry an indebt study into the effects of stress on the modern secretaries in NEPA zonal headquarters, Enugu in Enugu state
b. To identify the causes and effects of stress among modern secretaries at NEPA zonal headquarters Enugu
c. To find ways to improving the psychological welfare of workers thereby reducing stress.
1.4 SIGNFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study is to bring to the knowledge of the readers, the secretaries and the society at large the effect of stress on modern secretaries. The researcher will also expose what stress is and explain to secretaries how to manage stress and avoid it entirely. What is expected of employers will also be discussed and avoid a condition of stress on modern secretaries.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope is limited NEPA headquarter, Okpara avenue, in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu state
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Following the aforementioned significance of the study and the statement of problem, the following research question are appropriate.
1. How does stress on the modern secretaries affect the corporate objective of the organization
2. Are secretaries adequately remunerated to guarantee long and efficient services at NEPA headquarter Enugu.
3. How does the division of labor at NEPA headquarter Enugu contributes to stress.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Effects Of Stress On Modern Secretaries:
The effects of stress on modern secretaries can be significant and diverse, impacting their physical health, mental well-being, and overall job performance. Here are some common effects:
- Physical Health Issues: Stress can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and even gastrointestinal problems. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
- Mental Health Challenges: Chronic stress can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and handle demanding situations can take a toll on mental well-being.
- Decreased Productivity: High levels of stress can impair cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. This can lead to decreased productivity and efficiency in completing tasks.
- Burnout: Secretaries often face heavy workloads and tight deadlines, which can increase the risk of burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can result in feelings of cynicism, detachment from work, and a sense of inefficacy.
- Strained Relationships: Stress from work can spill over into personal life, leading to strained relationships with family and friends. Constantly feeling overwhelmed and fatigued can make it challenging to engage fully in personal relationships and activities outside of work.
- Increased Absenteeism: Employees experiencing high levels of stress may be more likely to take sick leave or absenteeism from work. This can disrupt workflow and increase the burden on colleagues, leading to further stress for the individual and their team.
- Job Dissatisfaction and Turnover: Chronic stress can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s job and workplace environment. If stressors are not adequately addressed, it may lead to turnover as employees seek roles with less pressure and better work-life balance.
- Impact on Organizational Performance: Collectively, stress among secretaries and other employees can impact the overall performance of an organization. Increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and high turnover rates can affect the organization’s bottom line and reputation.
To mitigate the effects of stress on modern secretaries, employers can implement strategies such as providing adequate resources and support, promoting work-life balance, offering stress management programs, and fostering a positive work culture that values employee well-being. Additionally, individuals can practice self-care techniques, set boundaries, prioritize tasks, and seek support from supervisors or colleagues when needed.