Mental Health and Employee Wellbeing: A Bibliometric and Thematic Content Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health and employee wellbeing have become critical determinants of organizational success, significantly impacting productivity, engagement, and retention, particularly in high-pressure work environments. With escalating workplace stressors and global challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for effective strategies to enhance employee wellbeing.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the evolving research landscape on mental health and employee wellbeing. It seeks to identify key themes, collaborative patterns, and gaps in the literature to provide actionable insights for improving workplace wellbeing.

Methods: The research employs a bibliometric and thematic content analysis from 1980 to 2024 of 254 scholarly articles published across 180 journals. A systematic review of collaborative research patterns involving 994 authors was conducted, coupled with a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes such as workplace culture, leadership support, and stress management practices.

Results: The findings indicate an annual growth rate of 8.34% in research publications, reflecting increasing interest in mental health and employee wellbeing. Collaborative research patterns and thematic analysis highlight the interconnected roles of workplace culture, leadership support, and stress management in promoting employee wellbeing. The study also identifies gaps in the literature, such as limited focus on cultural and industry-specific wellbeing strategies.

Conclusions: This research underscores the importance of mental health strategies in fostering healthier workplaces and improving employees’ quality of life. By bridging theoretical insights and practical applications, the study provides organizations with data-driven interventions to address wellbeing challenges. It contributes to the broader discourse on mental health within organizational frameworks and offers a roadmap for future research in this vital area.