The Influence of Workplace Environment on Mental Health: A Quantitative and Qualitative Investigation in China

Background: The demanding nature of nursing, characterized by long hours, high-stress environments, and substantial workloads, can significantly impact nurses' mental health. However, there are limited studies that assessed the influence of workplace environment on nursing mental health based on both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Methods: This study aims to comprehensively investigate the multidimensional relationship between the workplace environment and nurses' well-being. This cross-sectional study was based on a sample of 3256 nurses from various healthcare settings in Shandong province, China (2022), who participated in the quantitative phase. For the qualitative phase, a subsample of participants from the quantitative phase was selected (n = 200) using purposive sampling to ensure diversity in terms of age, gender, years of experience, and healthcare settings. The mean age was 35.2 years, with 74% female participants. Results: Significant negative correlations were found between leadership support and mental distress, while workload showed negative associations with General Positive Affect and mental health functioning (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression demonstrated the predictive power of workplace dimensions on mental health, with leadership support, teamwork, and organizational culture positively associated with mental health functioning (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis underscored the intricate interplay between workplace indicators and mental health dimensions, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. Conclusion: This study reveals that key workplace factors, including leadership support, teamwork, and organizational culture, play a vital role in enhancing nurse mental health, which is essential for sustaining high-quality patient care and a resilient healthcare workforce.