The Psychological Toll of Illegitimate Tasks: How Toxic Workplaces and Work Stress Amplify Depression Among Employees

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between illegitimate tasks and depression, whether this relationship is mediated by toxic workplace and work stress among the private sector teachers of Gujranwala. A serial mediation model was developed to examine the proposed relationship. This study employed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based research design. A sample of 1,504 Gujranwala teachers (Mage=19.89years, SDage=1.93) from different areas of Gujranwala completed an online survey questionnaire from December 2020 to January 2021 to respond to questions on demographic characteristics and items to measure the variables in the research model. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to assess the measurement model and proposed serial mediation model. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software version 3.3.2. The results of the measurement model showed good reliability and validity for all constructs. The results of the structural model and hypothesis testing showed that all hypotheses were supported in this study. Particularly, there was a significant positive relationship between illegitimate tasks and depression(Q1), illegitimate tasks and toxic workplace (Q2), toxic workplace and work stress (Q3), and the work stress and depression(Q4). In addition, the results showed that toxic workplace and work stress serial mediated the relationship between illegitimate tasks and depression(Q5). The serial mediation model explained 34.6% of the variance of depression. The findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms that explain illegitimate tasks. Schools and policymakers need to make better decisions that ultimately could lead to teachers’ working outcomes and achievement