This research explores how overtime work affects the mental health and social integration of high school educators in Vietnam, considering different work contexts. Given the widespread prevalence of overtime among Vietnamese teachers and its potential negative impact, this study aims to inform policymakers and develop interventions for better support. Ultimately, improving teacher well-being will benefit both educators and the communities they serve.
An online survey form was sent to 1,072 teachers in 63 high schools across the country. General-form regression models were used to test the hypotheses.
The findings reveal a positive association between workload (WO) and mental health (MH). Specifically, teachers who work longer hours are more prone to mental health issues and feel less socially included. This study found that weekend and holiday work (WWH) intensify the negative impact of overtime work on mental health. This suggests that as the amount of weekend and holiday work increases, the detrimental effect of overtime on mental health becomes stronger. Contrary to expectations, this study suggests that increased work demands in both public and private schools exacerbate the negative impact of overtime work on mental health.
This study contributes the discourse beyond the health risks of prolonged work hours by examining the “individual-centric” perspective of mental health. This research investigates the impact of overtime work on the mental health of Vietnamese educators, thus enriching the literature on the “individual-centric” aspect.
This research underscores the detrimental effects of working beyond regular hours on the mental well-being and social perception of educators. Maintaining a positive social attitude among teachers and school administrators is crucial for job satisfaction, employee well-being and retention in demanding professions. School managers and educators must acknowledge the risks associated with prolonged work hours, including negative impacts on physical and mental health and disrupted work−life balance. Implementing regular work hours is imperative for enhancing teachers’ mental and emotional health.
These findings highlight the crucial role that overtime work plays in mental health and provide valuable information for social interventions promoting societal harmony and happiness.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies examining the impact of overtime work on teachers’ mental health in Vietnam’s educational system.
