EFFECT OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE PROVISION IN THE WORKPLACE ON EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN ENUGU STATE

This study is on the effect of mental health resource provision in the workplace on employees’ performance in manufacturing firms in Enugu State. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of mental health resource provision in the workplace on employees’ performance in manufacturing firms in Enugu State. Specifically, the objectives were to determine the effect of mental health service education on employees’ timely completion of job and to ascertain the effect of empathetic leadership on employees’ output level in manufacturing firms in Enugu State. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of this study consisted of 850 employees of Juhel Nigeria Limited, Emenite Nigeria Limited and Innoson Nigeria Limited Enugu. A siample size of 272 was determined and utilized in the study. The data obtained were presented in frequency distribution tables and the corresponding values were expressed in percentages. In addition, the hypotheses developed for the study were tested using regression analysis with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 26). The findings of the study revealed that Mental health service education had significant positive effect on employees’ timely completion of job in manufacturing firms in Enugu State and that empathetic leadership had significant positive effect on employees’ output level in manufacturing firms in Enugu State. The study concluded that by providing comprehensive mental health resource, manufacturing firms in Enugu state would create a supportive environment that promoted not only employee well-being but also improved overall performance through increased efficiency and productivity. It was recommended among other things that manufacturing firms should prioritize investment in mental health resource. By implementing educational programs that equipped employees to manage stress and recognize mental health issues in themselves and colleagues. These programmes would be combined with access to confidential mental health service to ensure employees felt supported and empowered to seek help when needed