Job Demands, Job Resources and Employee Mental Well-Being in Higher Education Institutions: The Mediating Roles of Work-Life Imbalance and Psychological Safety.

Abstract

urpose

The study based on the JD-R theory, investigates impact of Job demands and Job resources on employee mental well-being in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), where work-life imbalance and psychological safety serve as mediating factors. The study is specifically aimed at exploring how organizational politics, role ambiguity, autonomy and rewards & recognition affect employee mental well-being in higher education context.

Methodology/Approach

The study used quantitative research with the primary data collection technique; structured questionnaires distributed to 200 employees in Higher Education Institutions. Collected data by using convenience sampling technique. Data that obtained was analyzed descriptively, reliability and validity analysis, PLS-SEM using software Smart PLS.

Findings

The findings suggest that role ambiguity and organizational politics are the factors that significantly contribute to work-life imbalance, thus affecting the employee mental well-being in the organization. On the other hand, autonomy and rewards and recognition positively contribute to psychological safety, which is beneficial for the mental well-being of employees. The mediation analysis also showed that work-life imbalance, and psychological safety significantly mediated between workplace factors and employee mental well-being.

Originality/Value

The study extends the concept of JDR theory by incorporating work-life imbalance and work-related psychological safety in a comprehensive framework to understand the mental well-being of employees at HEIs. The findings build on the existing research literature by offering a deeper understanding of organizational demands and enhanced organizational resources collectively influence employee mental wellbeing in education sector. The study also includes practical implications for improving the mental well-being of employees by fostering supportive workplace practices at the educational institutions.