Cultivating Caring Workplaces: Mental Health Literacy, Organizational Culture, and Employee Performance in a Philippine State University

This mixed-methods study examines the relationship between mental health literacy, organizational culture, and employee performance in a higher education institution, addressing the limited empirical evidence on workplace mental health among university employees beyond student populations. Using a convergent parallel design, quantitative data were collected from 137 teaching and non-teaching employees through a structured survey measuring mental health literacy (knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors) and self reported employee performance. Qualitative data were gathered through semi structured interviews with 10 purposively selected participants to explore how mental health literacy is embedded in organizational culture. Quantitative results indicated moderate to high levels of mental health literacy and generally positive employee performance. Correlation and regression analyses showed that all dimensions of mental health literacy were significantly associated with employee performance, with help-seeking behavior emerging as the strongest predictor. No significant differences were found across sex, age, or employment classification, although attitudes toward mental health differed by years of service. Qualitative findings revealed that mental health literacy shapes organizational culture through openness, empathy, psychological safety, supportive leadership, and productivity orientation. In contrast, low literacy was associated with stigma, maladaptive coping, and disengagement. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings suggests that mental health literacy functions not only as an individual capability but also as an organizational resource that influences workplace culture and performance. The study highlights the importance of institution-level mental health initiatives, supportive leadership practices, and accessible support systems in fostering a caring organizational culture and enhancing employee performance in higher education settings.