ABSTRACT  This study is an intent on the effect of stress on employee performance in Nigerian polytechnic (A study of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-uku) the framework provided an indication of how we managed stress and its effect on employee performance. The objective of this study is to investigate whether stress is considered as a major determinant in employee performance and to also investigate the effect of workload on employee performance. The study was conducted among ninety (90) elements randomly selected among the staff of the Ogwashi-uku Polytechnic. The method of data collection for this study are documentary studies and data collection through carefully implemented questionnaire. Results of the field work were presented in tables and analysed with simple percentage. Also chi-square statistical tool was adopted to test the validity of the hypothesis for rejection or acceptance. The findings reveals that stress is considered as a major determinant in the performance of employees. And also that there is significant relationship between workload and employees performance. Recommendations were provided based on the result of the findings that problem focused coping is aimed at reducing the demands of the stressful situation or expanding resources to deal with it. Bibliographies were listed at the end of the study.

CHAPTER ONE

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Working at the tertiary level is an inherently stressful profession with?

1. Long working hours.
2. Heavy workloads.
3. Difficult students and
4. Conflicting demands.

The physical and psychology demands of workers at the tertiary level of education make them more vulnerable to high levels of stress. The effect of stress are evidenced as increased errors in memoranda, high medical bills, lateness to work, low productivity and increased sick leaves. Despite the extremely negative effects of stress on the human body and work performance, many organizations, with Delta State Polytechnic not being an exception has not put in any concrete measures to address these stress-related conditions that negatively affect productivity.

1.3    PURPOSE OF STUDY The purpose of this study are:

1. In partial fulfillment of the B.Sc degree in Business Administration, Delta State University Asaba Campus, Asaba.
2. To assess the effect of workload on employees performance.
3. To assess the effect of stress on workers in the performance of their job.
4. To examine the support for those people who are suffering from stress.
5. To assess how work related stress can affect the health of workers.

1.4    RESEARCH QUESTIONS Based on the objectives of the study, the specific research questions to which answers were sought are:

1. What factors contribute to low productivity among staff of organization?
2. Are there any strategies which could be adopted to prevent or reduce stress among staff of Ogwashi-uku polytechnic?
3. What can be done to help staff of Ogwashi-uku polytechnic with stress related problems?
4. Does job stress have any effect on the health or Ogwashi-uku polytechnic staff?

1.5    HYPOTHESIS In order to register the validity of the research findings, the researcher hypothesized the following which would be subjected to statistical tests. The outcome which either disaffirms the researcher’s observation; Hoi:   Stress is not considered as a major determinant to the employees performance in Nigerian polytechnic.  Hoi:   There is no significant relationship between workload and employees performance.