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Introduction
Evidence shows a high prevalence rate of mental health issues globally among the working-class population in white collar jobs. Statistics reveal that one in six working age adults within the UK exhibit symptoms linked with mental health issues [Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), 2017]. While a variety of definitions for mental health and well-being exist, this paper describes it according to Galderisi et al. (2015) as that situation where an individual can create a healthy balance with their personal/internal surrounding and external surrounding some of which are beyond their control recognizing the different emotions that can be triggered, while managing them through developing functional coping mechanisms. According to findings from a UK national survey, Kinman and Court (2010) highlighted that more than 33% of all ill health incidences are attributable to work-related stress. This also affects organisational productivity and effectiveness in the workplace as 70 million working days are lost each year across the UK due to mental health problems, costing employers approximately £2.4bn annually (Mental Health Foundation, 2019). This is also reiterated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) data indicating a cost of US$1tn each year estimated to be lost as a result of mental health issues preventing work (Kestel, 2019). Considering its impact, research demands addressing these key concerns around mental health within the workplace.
Academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) are among the most hit by this trend as literature suggests that increasing workloads, poor work life balance, lack of management support and other factors results in workplace anxiety and stress which affect their mental well-being (Dickson-Swift et al., 2009; Ablanedo-Rosas et al., 2011; Dhanya and Kinslin, 2016; Schelvis et al., 2016). This is a growing concern as this is a challenge affecting academic staff in higher education institutions globally.
Management-led solutions to tackling the escalating levels of stress and anxiety for the academic staff working within universities is critical, due to their role within universities which demands a stable mental well-being and collaborative efforts from other staff and management to ensure the quality of educational services delivery. Hence, the management of HEIs have a duty to effectively promote a culture of good mental and physical health for the benefit of staff and the students alike. Promoting...