An Exploration of the Role of HR Departments in Optimizing Employee Mental Wellness in the Face of Organizational Risks
International Journal of Organizational Analysis
ISSN: 1934-8835
Article publication date: 14 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Considering mental health in organizations is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts the well-being and productivity of employees. This paper aims to delve into the role of the human resource (HR) department (HRD) in promoting mental health and mitigating associated organizational risks within emerging markets, with a specific focus on organizations in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative research approach, 21 semistructured interviews were conducted with employees from diverse organizations and industries in Jordan.
Findings
The study’s findings illuminate a constrained role of HRD in supporting employees’ mental well-being, attributable to several factors: (i) a perceptual gap between the actual and desired roles of HRD in fostering mental health according to employees; (ii) institutional factors dictating initiatives for mental health support at work; and (iii) societal and cultural norms shaping attitudes toward mental health, both pre- and post-COVID-19.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of HR practices and mental health support in the workplace in emerging markets, providing valuable insights for both academic and practical considerations. As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of employee well-being, this study’s findings offer a foundation for future research and the development of evidence-based strategies to enhance mental health support within organizational contexts and mitigate organizational risks.
Originality/value
This study illuminates the current landscape of human resources management development in fostering mental health at work in Jordan, serving as a foundation for future research agendas in the country and potentially the wider region.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Ethics declarations:
Conflict of interest: On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.
Ethical approval: All participants were provided with an informed consent form before their participation. No ethical statement is to be provided by the institution
Citation
Al-Twal, A., Gammoh, L.A. and Zureikat, M. (2024), "An Exploration of the Role of HR Departments in Optimizing Employee Mental Wellness in the Face of Organizational Risks", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-07-2024-4648
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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