MENTAL HEALTH IN TRANSITION: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF REMOTE AND HYBRID WORK ON EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IN THE EVOLVING POST-PANDEMIC WORKPLACE

The contemporary workplace has become a vital platform for addressing mental health issues, given the global rise in mental health concerns among employees. The study explores how employees perceive mental health within their work environments, pinpointing systemic challenges and identifying areas for potential improvement. The primary goal is to understand diverse employee perspectives on workplace dynamics, emphasizing factors such as workload, work-life balance, organizational culture, and interpersonal relationships. Using a qualitative research approach, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees aged 20 to 52, allowing for in-depth exploration of their unique experiences and views. Findings reveal that most employees perceive their workload as manageable. However, younger employees often struggle to disconnect from work, indicating a generational divide in expectations around work-life balance. Additionally, while participants generally appreciated supportive collegial relationships, they also called for more structured mental health initiatives and clearer communication on mental health resources and policies. The research contributes to existing literature by underscoring the importance of open dialogue on mental health and the need for flexible work arrangements to support employee well-being. Limitations include a relatively small and homogenous sample, which may not capture the full spectrum of workforce experiences. Future research should investigate the impact of hybrid work models on mental health and delve into how organizational policies affect employee well-being in different work settings. Ultimately, creating a mentally healthy workplace benefits organizations by fostering employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention factors crucial in today’s competitive landscape. The study emphasizes that prioritizing mental health through systemic organizational changes and proactive support mechanisms is essential. By nurturing environments that support employee well-being and resilience, organizations can contribute to a healthier, more engaged workforce, helping employees navigate mental health challenges and maintain a balanced life.