An aspect includes receiving a request to assign a task to a user based on biometric data. Correlated data that correlates characteristics of tasks previously performed by the user with observed productivity and stress levels of the user while performing the tasks is accessed. An optimization model is applied to select a task that maximizes a predicted productivity of the user in performing the task while at the same time minimizes a predicted negative stress level of the user while performing the task. Input to the optimization model includes the correlated data and characteristics of a plurality of potential tasks. The selected task is assigned to the user. The correlated data for the user is updated based on the observed productivity of the user in performing the selected task, the observed stress level of the user while performing the selected tax, and at least one characteristic of the selected task.