Strengthening Employee Performance through Wellness Strategies in Occupational Stress Management: A Quantitative Analysis at RECO Manufacturing Industry, Kasese District, Uganda

This study investigated the influence of wellness strategies on employee performance in RECO Manufacturing Industry in Kasese District, addressing a notable gap in the literature regarding the integration of wellness interventions and measurable performance outcomes within manufacturing contexts. While workplace wellness has been extensively studied in service and health sectors, empirical evidence on its impact in manufacturing, where employees face high job demands and stress levels, remains limited. The study was anchored on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilising correlational, descriptive, and survey research designs to examine the relationship between wellness strategies and employee performance. The study targeted a sample of 100 permanent employees from a population of 134 across seven functional departments. Stratified, proportionate, and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents, while purposive sampling determined departmental representation. Primary data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, validated with a content validity index of 0.750 and reliability confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha of 0.853. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to assess relationships and predict performance outcomes. Regression analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between wellness strategies and employee performance (B = 0.744, Beta = 0.885, t = 18.498, p = 0.000), indicating that improvements in wellness strategies significantly enhance productivity, motivation, teamwork, and overall job performance. The study concluded that structured wellness strategies act as critical resources that reduce stress and strengthen performance. It recommended that management and HR departments systematically implement, monitor, and refine wellness programmes to optimise employee engagement and organisational outcomes. The findings provide evidence-based guidance for policy and practice and contribute to the body of knowledge by empirically validating the JD-R theory in a manufacturing environment.