EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN KENYA

Rose Chebeth, Dr. Scholastica Wamwayi

Abstract


For a government to accomplish its strategic and operational objectives, it must have organizations in the public sector. The numerous government agencies that make up the public sector serve the public good by providing essential services to the general populace. The overall productivity of Kenyan government agencies has been below the target over the years. The general objective of the study was to establish the effects of employee mental health on organizational performance in the public service in Kenya. Specifically, this study sought to establish the effect of work-life balance on organizational performance in the public service in Kenya and to determine the effect of employee assistance programs on organizational performance in the public service in Kenya. This study was anchored on stakeholders theory and social contract theory. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was the heads of 187 state agencies spread over different locations in Kenya. The unit of analysis was the state agencies while the unit of observation was the heads of the state agencies. The study used stratified random sampling technique to select 127 respondents from the target population. This study also used questionnaire to collect data relevant to this study. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques which are frequencies, mean, standard deviation. Inferential statistics which include Pearson correlation and the Regression Analysis Model was used to test the relationship between study variables. The significance of the model was tested at 5% level of significance. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study results were presented through use of tables and figures. The study concludes that work-life balance has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance in the public service in Kenya. The study also concludes that employee assistance programs have a positive and significant effect on organizational performance in the public service in Kenya. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of public service in Kenya should prioritize and promote work-life balance initiatives for employees. Implementing policies and practices that support work-life balance is essential to enhance employee well-being, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. The study also recommends that the management of public service in Kenya should implement comprehensive employee assistance programs (EAPs). These programs are designed to support employees' well-being, address personal and work-related challenges, and ultimately improve overall job satisfaction and performance.

 

Key Words: Employee Mental Health, Work-Life Balance, Employee Assistance Programs


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