Occupational Stress and Performance at Workplace Across Sectors: A Systematic Review

Occupational stress, a prominent phenomenon in modern organizations, has become a critical determinant of employee performance and organizational success. This paper systematically reviews the interplay between occupational stress and performance, drawing from diverse studies conducted across emerging and advanced economies. The review highlights the theoretical frameworks underlying occupational stress, the mediating mechanisms that link stress with performance, and the moderating role of leadership and organizational practices. Key insights reveal that occupational stress, exacerbated by cultural, economic, and organizational factors, significantly hampers productivity and innovation. Leadership styles, such as inclusive and ethical leadership, emerge as crucial mitigators of stress's adverse effects. Recommendations for organizational interventions and policy changes are proposed, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches to stress management. This review contributes to the discourse on sustainable workforce practices, providing a roadmap for future research and practical implementation.