<![CDATA[This study examines the effects of workload and job stress on employee performance in a high-pressure seafood processing context, with the work environment positioned as a mediating variable. Although workload and stress are widely discussed in human resource management, limited evidence explains how these factors operate through workplace conditions in labor-intensive manufacturing settings. A quantitative explanatory design was applied to all 110 employees of PT Kelola Mina Laut Plant 2 using a census sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. The measurement model confirmed adequate validity and reliability, with average variance extracted values ranging from 0.629 to 0.748, Cronbach’s alpha values between 0.899 and 0.952, and composite reliability values above 0.922. The structural model showed strong explanatory power, with R² values of 0.783 for the work environment and 0.808 for employee performance. Workload significantly affected employee performance (β = 0.299, p < 0.001) and the work environment (β = 0.436, p < 0.001). Job stress also significantly affected employee performance (β = 0.261, p = 0.004) and the work environment (β = 0.525, p < 0.001). The work environment significantly enhanced employee performance (β = 0.411, p < 0.001) and partially mediated both relationships. These findings indicate that workload and job stress are not inherently beneficial; their performance effects depend on a supportive, communicative, and well-structured work environment.]]>
