Reference: Foulk, T. A., & Lanaj, K. (2022). With great power comes more job demands: The dynamic effects of experienced power on perceived job demands and their discordant effects on employee outcomes. The Journal of applied psychology, 107(2), 263–278. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000905 What is the impact of power on powerholders at work - are there both good and bad effects?” Professional employees who believe they can impact others in their job role have psychological power. They experience work pressure while simultaneously feeling a sense of power and control. Researchers studied how powerholders perceive job demands, which can heighten enthusiasm and bring about progress yet still give employees anxiety and stress. Researchers collected data from 83 professional employees who took electronic surveys on measures of demographics and neuroticism – a personality trait associated with anxiousness, oversensitivity, and nervousness. Participants also completed surveys 3 times per day, measuring experienced power, meaningfulness, job demands, goal progress, physical discomfort, and anxiety. Results? Having power can lead to job demands that have good and bad effects. One leads to progress and feeling a sense of purpose. The other causes physical discomfort and anxiety. Participants who scored higher on neuroticism (more anxious and sensitive), were more likely to see their job as demanding but still felt more powerful. Employers! Be mindful! Encourage your employees in stressful times. Be sure to give specific praise and feedback when you see progress. Reassure employees and offer breaks to reduce stress.

Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.