STRESS AND BURN OUT ON EMPLOYEES AND ITS IMPACT ON PRODUCTIVITY A STUDY OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract This study investigates the prevalence, causes, and effects of stress and burnout on employee well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity in selected universities in Southwest Nigeria, focusing on Mountain Top University and a comparable institution. Stress is defined as a physiological and psychological response to workplace pressure, while burnout represents chronic exhaustion and detachment. The study identifies excessive workloads, poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, and limited institutional support as key factors undermining staff performance. Situated within global and Nigerian contexts, it acknowledges how economic instability and technological shifts, including remote work, intensify workplace stress.Adopting a descriptive survey design, the research collected data through structured questionnaires administered to academic and non-academic staff, analyzing responses using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Out of a total population of 1,587 employees, 318 respondents participated. Findings show that 48.8% were aged 38–44, 63.7% male, and 50.6% had worked for 6–8 years, with Arts and Humanities staff forming the largest group (41.4%). Regression analysis revealed that stress and burnout accounted for 57.6% of the variance in employee well-being (R = 0.759), 74.9% in productivity (R = 0.865), and 22.7% in job satisfaction (R = 0.476), all significant at p < 0.05.The study concludes that excessive workload, long hours, and weak management support cause reduced morale, absenteeism, and lower productivity. It recommends holistic interventions mental health programs, flexible scheduling, and employee support systems to enhance well-being, foster innovation, and sustain productivity in Nigerian universities.