Question

Which of the following is a reason why stress and burnout can have a negative impact on performance with respect to the effect of heavy workload on performance?

a. It can lead to frustration and negative attitudes towards one job.
b. Nurses will often fail to administer the appropriate medication dosages
c. It depletes ones attentional resources and leaves an employee with insufficient time to perform tasks safely.
d. It results in reduced physical and cognitive resources to perform adequately
e. It invariably results in numerous adverse events

Answer 1

Heavy workload and burnout can degrade employee performance by depleting cognitive and physical resources, leading to potentially serious consequences in professions such as nursing. Reducing job stressors and improving the work environment are crucial to prevent performance decline and maintain employee well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stress and burnout can negatively impact performance in multiple ways. When a heavy workload leads to burnout, it often causes a depletion of one's attentional resources and leaves employees with insufficient time to safely perform tasks. This can be particularly harmful because it results in a reduction of both physical and cognitive resources necessary to perform adequately. Furthermore, job stress and burnout have been linked with increased rates of depressive disorders, physical illnesses, and negative consequences on job satisfaction and overall well-being.

For instance, in health care professions, such as nursing, burnout can lead to serious consequences such as failing to administer the appropriate medication dosages, which can result in adverse events. Therefore, although not invariably, excessive workload and stress can contribute to negative outcomes. Employers are encouraged to recognize the signs of burnout and reduce job stressors when possible, improving the working environment to prevent the decline in employee performance and potentially harmful implications for clients or patients.