Assessing the Mental Health Needs of Employees: A Foundation for Enhanced Workplace Wellness Programs in Publishing

This study examined how employees in a medium-sized publishing house in the Philippines perceive mental health and wellness initiatives, and whether these reflect their lived needs across job groups. Grounded in Person–Environment Fit Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and the Job Demands–Resources Model, the research explored employee receptivity, stressors, and culturally embedded understandings of care and support. A qualitative approach was used, drawing from employee climate surveys, seminar feedback, voluntary reflections, and organizational documents. Thematic analysis revealed three core findings: (1) job-specific and generational stressors shaped emotional fatigue and access to coping strategies, particularly among field and production teams; (2) emotional safety, relational leadership, and perceived program relevance influenced employee engagement and trust; and (3) Filipino values such as malasakit (compassionate concern) and pakikipagkapwa (shared humanity) shaped expectations around wellness, connection, and leadership presence. These insights highlight that effective wellness programs must be emotionally attuned, culturally responsive, and consistently woven into daily operations. Practical implications include inclusive leadership development, participatory program design, and clearer, stigma-free communication about psychological support. Suggested enhancements involve tiered wellness sessions tailored to diverse concerns, decentralized delivery formats, emotionally intelligent supervisor training, and structured check-ins that build relational trust. Improving visibility of support—especially for younger staff, field workers, and new hires—may help strengthen receptivity and reduce silent burnout. Future research could examine the long-term effects of wellness program engagement, expand coverage across sectors, and develop culturally grounded evaluation frameworks rooted in Filipino workplace realities.