ASSESSING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS FOR QUALITY DELIVERY IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN ONE DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Abstract

Employee wellness is a crucial determinant for ensuring quality delivery within institutions of higher education in developing country contexts. With a growing emphasis on holistic well-being in educational settings, understanding and addressing the wellness of faculty and staff members becomes paramount for sustaining institutional effectiveness. Therefore, I conducted this study to determine the impact of employee wellness on quality delivery in higher education institutions in a developing country. Thirty participants were purposively chosen from three institutions of higher learning. The selection comprised heads of departments, deans and directors, lecturers, and nonacademic staff members. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. The research investigated the multifaceted dimensions of employee wellness, encompassing physical health, psychological well-being, social support networks, and work-life balance. Drawing upon two relevant theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, the study explores the factors influencing employee wellness within the unique context of higher education institutions in the target developing country. The study explored employee wellness in various aspects of institutional performance, including teaching quality, research output, administrative efficiency, and the overall organizational climate. By illuminating the interconnections between employee wellness and institutional effectiveness, this research aims to provide insights for policymakers, administrators, and practitioners to develop evidence-based strategies and interventions that promote a culture of wellness, thereby enhancing the quality of education delivery and fostering a conducive working environment within higher education institutions in developing countries. Based on the findings, the study recommends prioritising and integrating comprehensive employee wellness programs into institutional policies and practices to support the holistic well-being of faculty and staff members in higher education institutions in developing countries.

KEYWORDS: Employee wellness; Higher education institutions; Quality delivery; Developing country; Institutional Effectiveness

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CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Racheal Mafumbate. University of Eswatini. Email: rmafumbate@uniswa.sz