Social Factors in the Workplace and Mental Health

ABSTRACT Previous research has suggested that satisfying inters rsonal relationships help promote psychological well-being. This study examined the influence that social relations at work have on the individual's mental health. Data were col: acted in two phases. In phase 1, a volunteer sample of nonmanagerial employees (N=302) from 37 bank branches rated the social environment at their work settings by completing a Social Environmental Survey. In phase 2, an all-female 'olunteer subsample (Y=70) completed an additional questionnaire measuring psychological well-be!ag. The results indicated that the quality of the social environment in bank branches was related to the psychological well-being of employees in the settings. Coworkers' average ratings of the common social environment were significantly correlated with two indices of individual employees' mental health, depression, and anxiety. Self-esteem was not a3 strongly related to the quality of the social environment as were deprecsion and anxiety. An enhanced psychological significance to relationships with supervisors compared to relationships with coworkers was demonstrated. Practical applications of this research suggest that clinicians should consider the significant impact of the social environment at work and that organizations should realize the influence supervisors exJrt on the well being of employees. (References are included.) (ABL) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied ay EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *********************************************************y****k****** Results indicated that the quality of the social environment at work is related to the mental health of employees. More importantly, the relat!onship was confirmed using an independent measure of the social environment. Individuals' scores on depression and anxiety scales were significantly correlated with their coworkers' average rating of the common social environment