Exploring Employee Mental Health, Coping Mechanisms, and Workplace Support: A Qualitative Study

A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the experiences and viewpoints of Pakistani workers with regard to workplace assistance, coping mechanisms, and mental health. Purposeful sampling was used to choose a total of 16 participants who had had mental health concerns at work. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data, which were then transcribed and subjected to a thematic analysis to discover patterns, themes, and subthemes. According to this study's findings, Pakistani workers face a variety of challenges while attempting to manage their mental health at work, including stigma and discrimination, a lack of assistance, and competing work and personal obligations. There were identified coping techniques like exercise, mindfulness, and social support, but they were not always successful due to restrictions like time limits. The study underscores the significance of workplace assistance in supporting employee mental health, identifying critical elements such as flexible work arrangements and mental health awareness training for managers. This research has implications for the creation of more effective interventions and policies to support the mental health and well-being of Pakistani employees in the workplace. The findings imply that companies should be more aware of the difficulties employees have in managing their mental health and provide assistance in the form of flexible work arrangements and training for management on mental health awareness. Employers can establish a healthy work environment and enhance the well-being of their employees by doing so.