Assessing the Influence of Work Stress on Mental Health among Employees in a Government Agency in Davao City

This study assessed the influence of work stress on the mental health of employees in a government agency in Davao City. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study examined workload, workplace environment, time pressure, and role ambiguity as predictors of stress and their relationship to mental health indicators such as anxiety, depression, emotional well-being, and burnout. Data were collected through validated survey instruments and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation. Findings revealed that workload (M = 2.65) and time pressure (M = 2.74) were the most severe stressors, while workplace environment stress was moderate (M = 2.39). Anxiety (M = 2.60) and burnout (M = 2.47) emerged as the most concerning mental health dimensions. Correlation results indicated a highly significant positive relationship between work stress and mental health decline (r = 0.870, p < .001). These results confirm that higher stress levels contribute to poorer psychological well-being among government employees. The study concludes that stress reduction policies and employee wellness programs are vital in mitigating adverse mental health outcomes. Recommendations include improving workload distribution, clarifying job roles, promoting mental health interventions, and fostering supportive workplace relationships. These interventions not only enhance employee well-being but also strengthen the overall efficiency of government service delivery.