Communication and Mental Health in Higher Institutions of Learning: A Case of Daystar University.

Abstract

Effective corporate communication strategies are pivotal in enhancing mental health and resilience within organizational settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of such strategies on employee well-being at Daystar University through the lens of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping. The objectives were to assess how these communication strategies promote mental health awareness among employees, examine their role in fostering workplace resilience and evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing overall well-being and organizational productivity. Employing a descriptive quantitative research design, the study surveyed all employees at Daystar University, targeting a sample size of 135 Respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires administered electronically and in person. From the findings, 61(57%) of the respondents indicated that that Daystar University's corporate communication was effective in raising awareness about mental health resources 62(58%) indicated that the university corporate communication channels were used to regularly inform the employees about mental health initiatives and that communication from leadership emphasized the importance of mental health and well-being at 55(51%). The study further found that a majority of the respondents at 54(50%) stated that the university communication provides guidance on managing work-related stress, 66(62%) stated that employees felt encouraged to seek support during challenges due to university communications, and 72(67%) respondents stated that communication at the university fosters a culture of resilience among employees. Also, 55(51%) respondents stated that current communication strategies positively impact employee overall well-being, and 53(50%) stated that there was noticeable improvement in organizational productivity due to communication about mental health. The study therefore concludes that corporate communication promotes conversations around mental health, making it easier for employees to access support and resolution of psychological challenges. That transparent communication during uncertainty or work challenges contributes to employees’ psychological preparedness, which strengthens their ability to adapt and recover from those challenges. The study recommends that organizations need to come up with a structured internal communication plan that comprises regular messaging around mental health awareness, available support services, and the importance of psychological wellbeing. This plan should be integrated into broader HR and wellness strategies. Further, organizations need to offer mental health communication training for managers and team leaders so as to equip them with the skills to talk about mental health in a respectful and confidential manner. The training needs to comprise recognizing indications of distress, beginning supportive conversations, and directing employees to appropriate resources. Also, organizations need to integrate resilience into corporate communication strategy by coming up with a communication strategy that explicitly includes resilience as a key theme. There should also be a culture of sharing messages on a regular basis, reinforcing adaptability, learning from challenges, and effective stress management.