Determinants of mental health: Role of organisational climate and decent work amongst employees

Abstract

Orientation: In South African organisations, a dual work is argued as important: first, the promotion of decent working conditions and secondly, encouraging workplaces that safe-guard the mental well-being of employees.

Research purpose: This study was aimed at investigating the determinants of mental health accounting for the role of organisational climate and decent work among public service employees in South Africa.

Motivation of the study: There is a need for organisations to pay attention to those aspects that improve the mental well-being of employees. This also includes the promotion of workplace that in turn emphasises the promotion of decent work.

Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was adopted, using a self-administered questionnaire. A convenience sampling technique was used. Data were collected from a sample of 289 public service employees working in the South African public service in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Main findings: The study found organisational climate to have a direct and positive association with decent work. Further, there was support for the mediation of decent work on the relationship between organisational climate and employee mental health.

Practical/managerial implications: The main practical implication of the study is the need to argue for the promotion of decent working conditions through organisational interventions in supporting employee mental health.

Contribution/value-add: This becomes crucial in business environments where employees often suffer challenges that affect their well-being.