Choves’s researches work stress on employees

The University of Dschang on August 9, 2014 awarded the first ever Masters Degree on “The Effects of Job Stress and Employee Commitment” with Esther Sangtum Duawo epse Choves prescribing tolerance at defence. Choves emerged on the Honours Roll with research work which, according to the President of the Jury, Prof. David Kamdem, was “exceptional in a subject that is very topical”.

According to Jury member, Dr Marie Antoinette Simonet, “it was simply a brilliant show of intelligence in research work”, while the Research Supervisor, Dr Jean Douanla said the research work is “scientifically good and highly commended for use” in a society where stress is increasingly the result of various frustrations at the workplace.

It took some two years for Choves Esther to emerge with the quality product which reveals some 21 symptoms or manifestations of job stress. Among them are memory problems, diarrhoea or constipation, headache, nausea, chest pain, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, seeing only negative things, constant worrying, sense of loneliness, eating much or less, using alcohol, drugs and cigarettes to relax, isolating from others and more.

Mezam Division was her area of research where findings indicate that, at least 30 percent of the sample surveyed experience had at least 85.7 percent of the 21 symptoms of stress. To blame are poor relationships at work and limited opportunities in career development which lead to a negative effect on normative and continuance commitment.

Work place frustrations are, indeed, speed brakes towards the enhancement of company growth and employee development. It is against this backdrop that the 144-page dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for a Masters Degree, MSc, in Human Resource Management prescribes the lifting of the burden of intense and relentless demands by employers who are doing themselves a disservice by not satisfying employees’ needs. Choves sums it up in what U.S CEO; Tony Schwartz says is the need for a conscious kind of capitalism.

Beyond Mezam Division, an overview reveals that workers in Cameroon, especially those of the private sector experience time pressures, work overload, role conflicts and ergonomic insufficiencies due to globalisation, technological development and restructuring. Like elsewhere, the lean workforce has to be doubly committed to produce results.

That is where questions arise whether stressed employees can be committed, especially with reduced job security. The way forward, according to Choves’ research work includes, the inspiration for employees to “know themselves” and master their tolerance levels, personality and coping style.

She also recommends a positive outlook on issues, a support network of friends, balanced work and family and exercise when necessary. Choves equally inspires companies to create general awareness about job stress, involve employees in management, recognise good work by employees and adopt management actions that are consistent with organisational values.

She also thinks that it is important to consider capabilities and resources before assigning tasks, plus the need to identify and reduce or eliminate stressful aspects of work and improve communication.