Abstract
This study examined the emotional state and workplace wellness of employees in the Local Government Unit of Aguinaldo, Ifugao in response to the growing need to understand employee well-being in the public sector and to provide evidence that can guide workplace mental health and wellness initiatives. Specifically, it determined the respondents’ demographic profile, assessed their levels of depression, anxiety, and stress using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, evaluated workplace wellness through the PERMA Profiler, and examined differences and relationships among the study variables. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 179 employees selected as respondents. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings showed that respondents were almost equally distributed by sex, predominantly married, mostly belonging to the Millennial age group, and largely college graduates. Most employees exhibited normal levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, although a considerable proportion experienced mild to moderate symptoms. The overall mean scores indicated mild depression, moderate anxiety, and mild stress. Workplace wellness was generally rated at a moderate level across the PERMA dimensions, with Meaning obtaining the highest mean score and Accomplishment the lowest. Significant differences in emotional states were observed according to sex and age, while depression also differed according to employment status. Workplace wellness likewise differed according to sex and age, whereas civil status, educational attainment, and department generally showed no significant differences. No significant relationship was found between emotional states and workplace wellness. The study concludes that while employees generally demonstrated moderate workplace wellness, the presence of mild to moderate emotional symptoms highlights the need for targeted, preventive, and sustainable mental health and workplace wellness programs to enhance employee well-being, organizational effectiveness, productivity, and the quality of public service delivery.