INFLUENCE OF WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION AND JOB SATISFACTION ON EMPLOYEE WELLBEING IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of workplace communication and job satisfaction on employee well-being among academic staff in Nigerian universities, examining their independent and joint contributions. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed with 250 academic staff (mean age = 40.20 years, SD = 8.75; 57.2% male) purposively selected from four universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Standardized instruments included the Communication Survey Questions (CSQ), Generic Work Satisfaction Scale (GWSS), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using regression analysis. Findings revealed that workplace communication did not directly predict employee well-being (β = –.086, p > .05) but significantly influenced job satisfaction (β = .525, p < .05, R² = .276). Job satisfaction had a significant inverse influence on employee well-being (β = –.333, p < .05, R² = .111). Jointly, workplace communication and job satisfaction significantly predicted employee well-being (R² = .145, p < .05), with job satisfaction contributing more. The findings challenge the assumption that higher job satisfaction always improves well-being, suggesting that in high-pressure academic contexts, satisfaction may coexist with elevated strain. Enhancing communication practices alongside targeted well-being interventions is essential for promoting sustainable employee well-being in academic institutions.