MENTAL WELLNESS PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION IN KENYA
Keywords:
Counselling Practices, Financial Wellness, Work-Life Balance, Mentorship
Abstract
This study aimed to explore on the influence of employee wellness practices on employee productivity in the NPSC. The independent variables in the study comprise of employee wellness practices, such as counselling practices, financial wellness practices, work–life balance practices, and mentorship practices. The dependent variable on the other hand is be employee productivity, that is measured through job performance, absenteeism, motivation, and employee engagement. The research is based on four theories: the Person–Environment Fit theory, the Behavioral Finance theory, the Work–Life Balance theory, and the Social Learning theory. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. The target population include all employees of the NPSC, and a census was applied. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, ANOVA, hypothesis and coefficients) using the SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The objectives in the study included: to determine the effects of counselling practices on employee productivity; to establish the effects of financial wellness practices on employee productivity; to determine the effects of work–life balance practices on employee productivity; and to establish the effects of mentorship practices on employee productivity at the NPSC. The findings gave empirical evidence on how these practices effect job performance, absenteeism, motivation, and employee engagement at the NPSC.
References
Abdul Aziz, A. F., & Ong, T. (2025). Access to employee assistance programs and employee wellbeing: A cross-sectional study of employees in Southeast Asia. BMC Public Health, 25, Article 398. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21358-7
Aboagye, E., Jensen, I., Bergström, G., Hagberg, J., & Axén, I. (2021). Work-life balance, job satisfaction and productivity: Evidence from public sector organizations. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(14), 3051–3072.
Adom, D., Hussein, E. K., & Agyem, J. A. (2020). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research, 9(3), 438–441.
Agunda, M. A., Were, S., & Mboya, M. (2024). Work-life balance practices and employee performance in public universities in Kenya. Human Resource and Leadership, 4(3), 19–35. https://doi.org/10.70619/vol4iss3pp19-35
Akinwale, O. E. (2019). Employee assistance programmes and workplace well-being in Nigeria. African Journal of Management, 5(2), 123–137.
Armstrong, M. (2020). Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice (15th ed.). Kogan Page.
Armstrong, M., & Taylor, S. (2020). Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice (15th ed.). Kogan Page.
Azzahra, S. A., & Arfian. (2024). The effects of coaching, mentoring, and counseling on employee job satisfaction. Linguanusa: Social Humanities, Education and Linguistic, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.63605/ln.v2i3.72
Bajaj, R., Singh, A., & Kaur, H. (2023). Measuring workplace mental health interventions: Methodological challenges and future directions. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 23(1), 56–71.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.
Bashir, J., & Marudhar, M. (2018). Reliability & validity of the research. Scientific Journal of India. https://sjindia.org/index.php/international/article/view/23
Bashir, I., Qureshi, I. H., & Ilyas, Z. (2024). How does employee financial well-being influence employee productivity: A moderated mediating examination. International Journal of Social Economics, 51(10), 1226–1246. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-09-2023-0676
Beena, P., & Akileswar, S. (2025). Impact of work-life balance and its influence on company productivity. International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering. https://doi.org/10.59256/ijire.20250605011
Begum, D. H., & Rajan, S. (2025). Financial wellness initiatives in Indian companies: A corporate approach. Journal of Science Engineering Technology and Management Sciences, 2(7), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.63590/jsetms.2025.v02.i07.159-166
de Oliveira, C., Saka, M., Bone, L., & Jacobs, R. (2022). The impact of mental health on workplace productivity: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 297, 114838.
Edwards, S., Richards, J., & Grant, A. (2023). Mental health leadership and productivity outcomes in organizations. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 96(2), 289–308.
Equity Bank. (2023). Employee wellness and counselling programmes annual report. Equity Group Holdings.
Gichana, G. K., & Ombui, K. O. (2022). Influence of work-life balance on employee productivity in Kenya: A case of Nairobi courts. Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v9i2.2330
Giorgi, G., Lecca, L. I., Alessio, F., Finstad, G. L., Bondanini, G., Lulli, L. G., & Mucci, N. (2020). COVID-19-related mental health effects in the workplace. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 7857.
Greenhaus, J. H., & Allen, T. D. (2011). Work–family balance: A review and extension of the literature. Journal of Management, 37(1), 10–42.
International Labour Organization. (2019). Workplace mental health: Policies and practices. ILO.
International Labour Organization. (2021). Mental health at work: Policy brief. ILO.
Jackson, L. T. B., & Fransman, E. I. (2018). Flexi work, financial well-being, work–life balance and their effects on subjective experiences of productivity and job satisfaction of females in an institution of higher learning. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 21(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.4102/SAJEMS.V21I1.1487
Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263–291.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. (2023). Mental health and human rights in Kenya. KNCHR.
Kiilu, J. M., Mutuku, M., & Mwangi, E. (2024). Mental health perceptions and service gaps in Meru County, Kenya. African Journal of Public Health, 18(1), 67–81.
Kivunja, C. (2021). Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework: A systematic review. International Journal of Higher Education, 10(1), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v10n1p44
Kniffin, K. M., Narayanan, J., Anseel, F., Antonakis, J., Ashford, S. P., Bakker, A. B., & Vugt, M. (2021). COVID-19 and the workplace: Implications, issues, and insights. American Psychologist, 76(1), 63–77.
Kumar, D. K. (2025). A study on work-life balance and its effect on employee productivity. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management. https://doi.org/10.35629/5252-0703805809
Lestari, S. D., Muhdaliha, E., Firdaus, P. M., Suhendra, E. S., & Brabo, N. A. (2024). Financial literacy at work: Enhancing organizational performance through employee training investments. Atestasi: Jurnal Ilmiah Akuntansi, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.57178/atestasi.v7i2.865
Lomotey, J. N. A. A. (2025). Psychological health, well-being, and organizational job performance: The role of employee counseling at the workplace. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 8(8), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v8-i8-01
Lumiti, P., Wekesa, S., Omondi, M., & Orwa, G. O. (2024). Financial support and employee performance in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya: Moderating effect of top management commitment. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 11(11). https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2023/v11/i11/hs2310-019
Makhubela, M., & Mashegoane, S. (2021). Mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour in the workplace: Implications for employee wellbeing. South African Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463211011234
Marangoni, C., Hass, L. H, & Pinto, R. (2020). Employees’ financial wellness, productivity, and firms’ myopic behavior. https://doi.org/10.26226/morressier.5f0c7d3058e581e69b05d129
Marecki, Ł. (2024). Impact of work-life balance on employee productivity and well-being. Journal of Management and Financial Sciences. https://doi.org/10.33119/jmfs.2023.50.9
Ministry of Health. (2020). Mental health taskforce report. Government of Kenya.
Mnasi, H. M., Matoka, C., & Raphael, G. (2022). Mentoring practices and employee performance in local government authority, Tanzania. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 18(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.9734/arjass/2022/v18i4403
Moskalенко, N. (2025). Influence of social cognitive theory on the adaptation and training of employees in the organization. Scientific Notes of the University "KROK," 77, 281–288. https://doi.org/10.31732/2663-2209-2025-77-281-288
Muhammad, A. H., & Muhammad, S. Y. (2022). Stress management and employee counselling: It’s imperative to the Nigerian public service. Kashere Journal of Education, 2(2), 221–230. https://doi.org/10.4314/kje.v2i2.28
Mtana, N., & Kepha, O. (2022). Personal counseling and employee productivity in the hospitality industry. African Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 8(1), 1–14.
National Police Service Commission. (2022). Employee assistance Programme policy. NPSC.
National Police Service Commission. (2023). Annual performance report. NPSC.
National Police Service Commission. (2024). Human capital and wellness report. NPSC.
Ng’eno, W. K., Bula, H., & Minja, D. (2020). Employee counseling and performance of employees in commercial banks in Kenya. Journal of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association, 1(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5897/JOKCPA2020.0002
Nyakomittah, M., & Omwenga, J. O. (2023). Financial wellness programs on employee performance in the devolved county government of Kisii County, Kenya. Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v10i4.2775
OECD. (2021). Fostering mental health at work. OECD Publishing.
Ogamba, C. O., & Kipkorir, C. (2025). Mentorship and internship in training of employees for performance in public junior secondary schools in Kenya. Global Journal of Human Resource Management, 13(2), 118–132. https://doi.org/10.37745/gjhrm.2013/vol13n2118
Ombaka, O. F., & Merecia, S. (2021). Work life balance and performance of the National Police Service officers in Kwale, County Kenya. Public Policy and Administration Research, 11(5), 93–103. https://doi.org/10.7176/PPAR/11-5-09
Patel, V., Saxena, S., Lund, C., Thornicroft, G., Baingana, F., Bolton, P., & UnÜtzer, J. (2020). The Lancet Commission on global mental health. The Lancet, 392(10157), 1553–1598.
Public Service Commission. (2022). Human resource policies and procedures manual for the public service. Government of Kenya.
Raveendran, J., Soren, J. F., Ramanathan, V., Sudharshan, R., Mahalanabis, S., Suresh, A. K., & Balaraman, V. (2021). Behavior science led technology for financial wellness. CSI Transactions on ICT, 9(3), 335–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40012-021-00331-w
Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational behavior (18th ed.). Pearson.
Safaricom PLC. (2022). Sustainability and employee wellness report. Safaricom.
Sabri, M. F., & Aw, E. C. X. (2020). Untangling financial stress and workplace productivity: A serial mediation model. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 35(4), 211–231. https://doi.org/10.1080/15555240.2020.1833737
Sanyal, S., & Hisam, M. (2019). The effects of mentoring on the performance of employees in NBO Bank, Sultanate of Oman. International Journal of Business Management, 7(8). https://doi.org/10.24940/theijbm/2019/v7/i8/bm1908-009
Sekiguchi, T., et al. (2021). Person–environment fit from an organizational psychology perspective. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 8, 165–190. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-061225
Shinde, S. (2025). Workplace counselling and employee engagement: Building resilient organizations through mental health support. Kaav International Journal of Law, Finance & Industrial Relations, 12(1), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.52458/23492589.2025.v12.iss1.kp.a7
Silaban, A., Assa, A. F., & Notowidjojo, G. (2024). Coaching, mentoring and motivation on employee performance. Management Science Letters, 14(1), 1–10.
The impact of work-life balance policies on employee well-being and productivity: An empirical study. (2023). Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research. https://doi.org/10.48047/jcdr.2021.12.05.323
Williamson, M. K., & Perumal, K. (2021). Exploring the consequences of person–environment misfit in the workplace: A qualitative study. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology / SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 47, a1798. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v47i0.1798
World Health Organization. (2020). Mental health in the workplace. WHO.
World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. WHO.
Zieringer, R. C., & Zapf, D. (2024). The effects of an employee assistance program on productivity at work, workability, absenteeism, and smartphone measures of heart rate and heart rate variability. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(4), 280–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000380
Aboagye, E., Jensen, I., Bergström, G., Hagberg, J., & Axén, I. (2021). Work-life balance, job satisfaction and productivity: Evidence from public sector organizations. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(14), 3051–3072.
Adom, D., Hussein, E. K., & Agyem, J. A. (2020). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research, 9(3), 438–441.
Agunda, M. A., Were, S., & Mboya, M. (2024). Work-life balance practices and employee performance in public universities in Kenya. Human Resource and Leadership, 4(3), 19–35. https://doi.org/10.70619/vol4iss3pp19-35
Akinwale, O. E. (2019). Employee assistance programmes and workplace well-being in Nigeria. African Journal of Management, 5(2), 123–137.
Armstrong, M. (2020). Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice (15th ed.). Kogan Page.
Armstrong, M., & Taylor, S. (2020). Armstrong’s handbook of human resource management practice (15th ed.). Kogan Page.
Azzahra, S. A., & Arfian. (2024). The effects of coaching, mentoring, and counseling on employee job satisfaction. Linguanusa: Social Humanities, Education and Linguistic, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.63605/ln.v2i3.72
Bajaj, R., Singh, A., & Kaur, H. (2023). Measuring workplace mental health interventions: Methodological challenges and future directions. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 23(1), 56–71.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Prentice Hall.
Bashir, J., & Marudhar, M. (2018). Reliability & validity of the research. Scientific Journal of India. https://sjindia.org/index.php/international/article/view/23
Bashir, I., Qureshi, I. H., & Ilyas, Z. (2024). How does employee financial well-being influence employee productivity: A moderated mediating examination. International Journal of Social Economics, 51(10), 1226–1246. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-09-2023-0676
Beena, P., & Akileswar, S. (2025). Impact of work-life balance and its influence on company productivity. International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering. https://doi.org/10.59256/ijire.20250605011
Begum, D. H., & Rajan, S. (2025). Financial wellness initiatives in Indian companies: A corporate approach. Journal of Science Engineering Technology and Management Sciences, 2(7), 159–166. https://doi.org/10.63590/jsetms.2025.v02.i07.159-166
de Oliveira, C., Saka, M., Bone, L., & Jacobs, R. (2022). The impact of mental health on workplace productivity: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 297, 114838.
Edwards, S., Richards, J., & Grant, A. (2023). Mental health leadership and productivity outcomes in organizations. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 96(2), 289–308.
Equity Bank. (2023). Employee wellness and counselling programmes annual report. Equity Group Holdings.
Gichana, G. K., & Ombui, K. O. (2022). Influence of work-life balance on employee productivity in Kenya: A case of Nairobi courts. Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v9i2.2330
Giorgi, G., Lecca, L. I., Alessio, F., Finstad, G. L., Bondanini, G., Lulli, L. G., & Mucci, N. (2020). COVID-19-related mental health effects in the workplace. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 7857.
Greenhaus, J. H., & Allen, T. D. (2011). Work–family balance: A review and extension of the literature. Journal of Management, 37(1), 10–42.
International Labour Organization. (2019). Workplace mental health: Policies and practices. ILO.
International Labour Organization. (2021). Mental health at work: Policy brief. ILO.
Jackson, L. T. B., & Fransman, E. I. (2018). Flexi work, financial well-being, work–life balance and their effects on subjective experiences of productivity and job satisfaction of females in an institution of higher learning. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 21(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.4102/SAJEMS.V21I1.1487
Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263–291.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. (2023). Mental health and human rights in Kenya. KNCHR.
Kiilu, J. M., Mutuku, M., & Mwangi, E. (2024). Mental health perceptions and service gaps in Meru County, Kenya. African Journal of Public Health, 18(1), 67–81.
Kivunja, C. (2021). Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework: A systematic review. International Journal of Higher Education, 10(1), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v10n1p44
Kniffin, K. M., Narayanan, J., Anseel, F., Antonakis, J., Ashford, S. P., Bakker, A. B., & Vugt, M. (2021). COVID-19 and the workplace: Implications, issues, and insights. American Psychologist, 76(1), 63–77.
Kumar, D. K. (2025). A study on work-life balance and its effect on employee productivity. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management. https://doi.org/10.35629/5252-0703805809
Lestari, S. D., Muhdaliha, E., Firdaus, P. M., Suhendra, E. S., & Brabo, N. A. (2024). Financial literacy at work: Enhancing organizational performance through employee training investments. Atestasi: Jurnal Ilmiah Akuntansi, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.57178/atestasi.v7i2.865
Lomotey, J. N. A. A. (2025). Psychological health, well-being, and organizational job performance: The role of employee counseling at the workplace. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 8(8), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v8-i8-01
Lumiti, P., Wekesa, S., Omondi, M., & Orwa, G. O. (2024). Financial support and employee performance in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya: Moderating effect of top management commitment. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 11(11). https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2023/v11/i11/hs2310-019
Makhubela, M., & Mashegoane, S. (2021). Mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour in the workplace: Implications for employee wellbeing. South African Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463211011234
Marangoni, C., Hass, L. H, & Pinto, R. (2020). Employees’ financial wellness, productivity, and firms’ myopic behavior. https://doi.org/10.26226/morressier.5f0c7d3058e581e69b05d129
Marecki, Ł. (2024). Impact of work-life balance on employee productivity and well-being. Journal of Management and Financial Sciences. https://doi.org/10.33119/jmfs.2023.50.9
Ministry of Health. (2020). Mental health taskforce report. Government of Kenya.
Mnasi, H. M., Matoka, C., & Raphael, G. (2022). Mentoring practices and employee performance in local government authority, Tanzania. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences, 18(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.9734/arjass/2022/v18i4403
Moskalенко, N. (2025). Influence of social cognitive theory on the adaptation and training of employees in the organization. Scientific Notes of the University "KROK," 77, 281–288. https://doi.org/10.31732/2663-2209-2025-77-281-288
Muhammad, A. H., & Muhammad, S. Y. (2022). Stress management and employee counselling: It’s imperative to the Nigerian public service. Kashere Journal of Education, 2(2), 221–230. https://doi.org/10.4314/kje.v2i2.28
Mtana, N., & Kepha, O. (2022). Personal counseling and employee productivity in the hospitality industry. African Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 8(1), 1–14.
National Police Service Commission. (2022). Employee assistance Programme policy. NPSC.
National Police Service Commission. (2023). Annual performance report. NPSC.
National Police Service Commission. (2024). Human capital and wellness report. NPSC.
Ng’eno, W. K., Bula, H., & Minja, D. (2020). Employee counseling and performance of employees in commercial banks in Kenya. Journal of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association, 1(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5897/JOKCPA2020.0002
Nyakomittah, M., & Omwenga, J. O. (2023). Financial wellness programs on employee performance in the devolved county government of Kisii County, Kenya. Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v10i4.2775
OECD. (2021). Fostering mental health at work. OECD Publishing.
Ogamba, C. O., & Kipkorir, C. (2025). Mentorship and internship in training of employees for performance in public junior secondary schools in Kenya. Global Journal of Human Resource Management, 13(2), 118–132. https://doi.org/10.37745/gjhrm.2013/vol13n2118
Ombaka, O. F., & Merecia, S. (2021). Work life balance and performance of the National Police Service officers in Kwale, County Kenya. Public Policy and Administration Research, 11(5), 93–103. https://doi.org/10.7176/PPAR/11-5-09
Patel, V., Saxena, S., Lund, C., Thornicroft, G., Baingana, F., Bolton, P., & UnÜtzer, J. (2020). The Lancet Commission on global mental health. The Lancet, 392(10157), 1553–1598.
Public Service Commission. (2022). Human resource policies and procedures manual for the public service. Government of Kenya.
Raveendran, J., Soren, J. F., Ramanathan, V., Sudharshan, R., Mahalanabis, S., Suresh, A. K., & Balaraman, V. (2021). Behavior science led technology for financial wellness. CSI Transactions on ICT, 9(3), 335–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40012-021-00331-w
Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational behavior (18th ed.). Pearson.
Safaricom PLC. (2022). Sustainability and employee wellness report. Safaricom.
Sabri, M. F., & Aw, E. C. X. (2020). Untangling financial stress and workplace productivity: A serial mediation model. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 35(4), 211–231. https://doi.org/10.1080/15555240.2020.1833737
Sanyal, S., & Hisam, M. (2019). The effects of mentoring on the performance of employees in NBO Bank, Sultanate of Oman. International Journal of Business Management, 7(8). https://doi.org/10.24940/theijbm/2019/v7/i8/bm1908-009
Sekiguchi, T., et al. (2021). Person–environment fit from an organizational psychology perspective. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 8, 165–190. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-061225
Shinde, S. (2025). Workplace counselling and employee engagement: Building resilient organizations through mental health support. Kaav International Journal of Law, Finance & Industrial Relations, 12(1), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.52458/23492589.2025.v12.iss1.kp.a7
Silaban, A., Assa, A. F., & Notowidjojo, G. (2024). Coaching, mentoring and motivation on employee performance. Management Science Letters, 14(1), 1–10.
The impact of work-life balance policies on employee well-being and productivity: An empirical study. (2023). Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research. https://doi.org/10.48047/jcdr.2021.12.05.323
Williamson, M. K., & Perumal, K. (2021). Exploring the consequences of person–environment misfit in the workplace: A qualitative study. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology / SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 47, a1798. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v47i0.1798
World Health Organization. (2020). Mental health in the workplace. WHO.
World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. WHO.
Zieringer, R. C., & Zapf, D. (2024). The effects of an employee assistance program on productivity at work, workability, absenteeism, and smartphone measures of heart rate and heart rate variability. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(4), 280–298. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000380
