1.What is Yerkes-Dodson Law?

The Yerkes-Dodson Law was developed by psychologists Robert M. Yerkes and John Dillingham Dodson in 1908. This principle states that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between stress levels and job performance. Accordingly:

Low stress levels: When stress is low, motivation to work is also low. This leads to lack of concentration and poor work performance.

Moderate stress levels: When stress levels increase to an optimal point, performance peaks. This is just enough stress to stimulate the mind and increase concentration. 

High stress levels: When stress exceeds optimal levels, performance begins to decline. Too much pressure leads to anxiety, loss of concentration and even exhaustion.

2.Application of Yerkes-Dodson Law

Understanding the relationship between pressure and performance will give us a quality lever to create momentum and motivation, systematically increasing work and learning efficiency.

In the work environment:

●Managers can use this law to design appropriate working environments, creating just the right level of stress for employees to achieve peak performance.

●Leaders should recognize signs of excessive stress and take timely support measures.

Learning:

●Students can use the Yerkes-Dodson law to adjust study and rest time appropriately, avoiding study overload leading to exhaustion and reduced learning efficiency.

In personal life:

●Understanding the relationship between stress and performance helps individuals regulate their stress levels in daily life. This includes time management, participating in stress-reducing activities such as exercise and meditation, and maintaining healthy social relationships.

An example of applying the law to organizing meetings is as follows:

How meetings are organized and run can also affect employee stress levels.

●Weekly meetings: Typically, these meetings are for informational purposes and to update work progress. To maintain moderate stress levels, managers should keep meetings short, to the point, and avoid going on too long.

●Problem-solving meetings: These meetings often require intense focus and can be stressful. Managers should prepare carefully, come up with feasible solutions and encourage participation and input from all members.

Epilogue

The Yerkes-Dodson Law provides insight into the relationship between stress and job performance. Understanding and applying this principle not only helps us improve our work performance but also creates a more balanced and harmonious life. In a modern, stressful society, maintaining moderate stress levels is key to achieving success and happiness.