Determinants of Employee Physical and Mental Health: The Role of Career Adaptability and Workplace Attachment in the South African Public Service

Abstract

The South African public service is noted to be in a state of flux with challenges affecting employee health. The study investigated the influence of career adaptability on the relationship between workplace attachment and employee health. Employee health was measured through two facets, namely physical and mental health. The study formulated four hypotheses. Data to test these proposed hypotheses were collected through a survey making use of a self-administered questionnaire among a sample of 214 public service employees. The findings indicate support for a relationship to exist between workplace attachment and facets of employee health. However, no evidence existed to support the moderating role of career adaptability on the relationship between workplace attachment and facets of employee health. Based on these findings, a range of interventions targeted at employees and the public service are suggested.