Effects of psychological stress on employees’ productivity in maize flour processing companies in Nakuru West sub-county, Nakuru County, Kenya

It is the duty of organization to keep their workers safe from work related risks. The study aimed at investigating the effects of psychological stress on employees’ productivity in maize flour processing companies. The study utilized the descriptive research design and targeted population was 204 employees of C01 and C02 maize flour companies in Nakuru West Sub-County in Nakuru County, Kenya. Stratified sampling technique was employed to acquire a sample that was equivalent to 30% of the target population. Data was collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed by the use of descriptive Statistics aided by package for social sciences (SPSS) software. Qualitative responses were summarized into category of themes, patterns and sub-topics. The study found that psychological stress affected the productivity of employees with increase in psychosocial stress leading to reduced employees’ productivity. Based on the findings, the study recommends that companies should create optimistic work environment that gives employees hope that they can achieve their own goals.