This research investigates the moderating effect of stress on the relationship between high-performance working systems, according to the AMO model (Ability, Motivation, Opportunity), and perceived employee performance in the context of the telecom sector in Egypt. It also explores gender differences in this context. A stratified random sample of 600 employees from telecom companies was surveyed. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test research hypotheses, revealing significant relationships between independent variables (Ability, Motivation, Opportunity), and moderating variables (Workload, Organizational Culture, Interpersonal Conflict, Role Ambiguity, Work-Life Balance). The moderating variables had diverse effects on perceived employee performance. Workload and Organizational Culture moderated the relationship between Ability and perceived employee performance, while Interpersonal Conflict and Role Ambiguity also affected this relationship. However, Work-Life Balance did not significantly affect perceived employee performance. Gender differences in the moderating impact of stress were examined through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), revealing that stress had a stronger moderating effect on males compared to females