Companies frequently encourage employees to achieve high performance, often resulting in performance pressure, which is a feeling of intense urgency to meet organizational expectations. Recent studies indicate that approximately one in four employees experience this kind of pressure. Though typically viewed as a negative, performance pressure can also yield positive outcomes, such as enhanced progress toward work goals. As such, this study (Guo et al., 2024) explores how performance pressure might evoke a fear of failure while simultaneously increasing focus, ultimately contributing to greater goal attainment.
PERFORMANCE PRESSURE
In two field studies of full-time employees, the researchers collaborated with a large business school and a headhunter. Over six weeks, participants completed three surveys at two-week intervals. The findings showed that performance pressure was associated with goal progress, driven by two main factors: fear of failure and increased mental focus on work. Notably, employees with strong career prospects were more likely to benefit from performance pressure than those with fewer career opportunities.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
These findings underline how performance pressure, when harnessed correctly, can foster greater productivity and goal attainment within the workplace. As such, the authors recommend the following:
- While performance pressure can lead to fear of failure, this fear can also sharpen employees’ focus on their work, ultimately boosting goal progress. As such, organizations should focus on promoting mindfulness to help employees turn their anxiety about performance pressure into productive work energy.
- Additionally, to help employees thrive under performance pressure, organizations should invest in robust career development systems, provide tailored training programs, and foster strong interpersonal networks. This will help employees maintain positive career expectations and enhance their ability to progress under high pressure.
Guo, L., Jia, S., Niu, X., & Wang, Z. (2024). One who wishes to wear the crown, must bear its weight: How performance pressure benefits career-prospective employees in organizations. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 104056.
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