The effect of stress management on employee productivity in social service organizations

The aim of this thesis is to quantitatively analyze the impact of stress management levels of employees working in social service organizations on their job productivity. Social service organizations, by their very nature, are institutions characterized by direct interaction with individuals, emotional labor, and high levels of psychosocial risk factors. Within this framework, it is anticipated that the stress experienced by employees may have significant consequences not only at the individual level but also in terms of institutional performance. In this context, the study aims to reveal the relationship between the stress management strategies employed by employees working in social service organizations and their perceived levels of job productivity. The conceptual framework related to stress management and employee productivity is discussed in detail in the first three chapters of the study. The first chapter introduces the structure, functioning, and employee profile of social service organizations; the second chapter examines the sources, effects, and management of stress within these organizations; and the third chapter discusses the concept of employee productivity, its determinants, and its relationship with organizational outcomes. The fourth chapter presents the empirical part of the research. Within the scope of the quantitative method, a questionnaire was developed via the Google Forms platform and shared through a link on social media. A convenience sampling method was employed, and data were collected from 403 participants. In this study, a multidimensional stress management scale was used to measure stress levels, and a short scale was employed to assess productivity; the data were analyzed using the Jamovi software. The findings enabled the development of strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing employees' coping skills and increasing productivity. This study aims to provide a scientific contribution to practitioners and policymakers.