Graduation Year
2025
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies
Document Type
Capstone
First Advisor
Bridget Hussain
Abstract
Workplace mental health is an increasingly important issue with significant implications for individual well-being, organizational productivity, and economic performance. This qualitative study explored generational perspectives on workplace mental health through a single focus group of seven participants, including four women and three men, representing Generation X and Millennials; no Baby Boomer participants were successfully recruited despite targeted outreach. Using an open-ended discussion format, participants shared personal experiences and perceptions, and transcripts were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that trust and confidentiality are critical for encouraging engagement with mental health resources, accessibility and awareness shape utilization, and leadership engagement strongly influences workplace culture. Generational differences emerged in openness to discussing mental health, with younger participants demonstrating greater comfort than older peers. Results suggest that effective strategies require more than simply making resources available; they must be trusted, visible, and responsive to cultural and generational dynamics. This research demonstrates the application of public health competencies, including qualitative research design, data analysis, and culturally informed recommendations to improve workplace well-being.