ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY INBUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

This study examined the assessment of psychosocial hazards and employee productivity in business organizations in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the increasing prevalence of psychosocial risks such as work-related stress and job insecurity in contemporary work environments and their potential impact on employee performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised employees of registered business organizations operating within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, from which a sample of 200 respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Psychosocial Hazards and Employee Productivity Questionnaire (PHEPQ). The validity of the instrument was established through expert review, while reliability was confirmed using the Cronbach’s Alpha method, which yielded a coefficient of 0.78. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation) at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that psychosocial hazards such as excessive workload, work-related stress, and job insecurity are prevalent in business organizations in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The results further showed a significant negative relationship between psychosocial hazards and employee productivity. Specifically, work-related stress and job insecurity were found to have significant negative effects on employee productivity. Based on these findings, the study concluded that psychosocial hazards constitute a major determinant of employee productivity in business organizations. The study recommended the implementation of psychosocial risk management policies, stress-reduction strategies, and supportive management practices to enhance employee wellbeing and improve productivity in business organizations.