NAVIGATING TOXICITY: HOW SOCIAL SUPPORT, AGE DISCRIMINATION, AND WORKPLACE SPIRITUALITY SHAPE MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS

A 2018 survey by Relate Malaysia found that 29% of the 4.57 million employed individuals in Malaysia faced mental health issues. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a toxic work environment, social support, and age discrimination on the mental well-being of lecturers at UiTM Kedah Branch, with workplace spirituality examined as a potential moderating factor. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected from 169 lecturers through electronic surveys and analyzed using SPSS software to explore the relationships among these variables. The findings revealed that a toxic environment and age discrimination negatively affect mental health, while social support positively influences well-being. Furthermore, workplace spirituality was found to moderate these relationships, mitigating the negative impacts of a toxic environment and age discrimination. The implications of this study are significant for university administrators and policymakers, offering actionable insights for creating healthier work environments. By implementing strategies that mitigate toxic conditions and promote inclusivity and spiritual well-being, institutions can improve mental health outcomes for educators and contribute to a more resilient and supportive academic community.