JOB SATISFACTION AND WORKPLACE STRESS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS: BASIS FOR A STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Keywords:
Administration and Supervision, Job Satisfaction, Workplace Stress, Elementary School Teachers, Descriptive-Quantitative Research, Borbon, Cebu, PhilippinesAbstract
Balancing job satisfaction and workplace stress is a critical factor influencing the overall well-being, productivity, and retention of employees, particularly in demanding professions such as teaching. This study examined the profile of elementary school teachers, their level of job satisfaction, and the extent of workplace stress they encountered, as well as the relationship between these variables, as a basis for a strategic improvement plan. The study was conducted in Borbon District, Borbon, Cebu, during School Year 2025–2026 with 50 teacher-respondents. A descriptive-quantitative research design with a correlational component was employed, and purposive sampling was used. Data were gathered through an adapted questionnaire. Simple percentage, weighted mean, and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) were used as statistical tools. Findings revealed that most respondents were middle-aged, predominantly female, highly educated with master’s-level attainment, and experienced in teaching. They had also participated in professional development activities focused mainly on stress management, workload management, and collaboration. Overall, the respondents reported high job satisfaction (overall weighted mean = 4.24), particularly in terms of work flexibility, fair school policies, and access to professional resources, indicating a supportive and development-oriented workplace environment. Meanwhile, workplace stress was generally at a moderate level (overall weighted mean = 3.99), with major stressors including deadline pressure, work–life imbalance, and organizational changes, along with moderate levels of mental exhaustion. Furthermore, the results showed a significant inverse relationship between job satisfaction and workplace stress (r = −0.58), indicating that higher job satisfaction is associated with lower levels of stress among teachers. It is therefore recommended that the proposed Strategic Improvement Plan be adopted to further strengthen job satisfaction and manage workplace stress among elementary school teachers.
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