Work stress, supervisors conflict, work-family conflict and mental health among female workers in the Malaysian manufacturing industry

Mental health issues among female workers are receiving increasing attention because they affect personal well-being and workplace productivity, especially in labour intensive industries such as manufacturing. Although many studies have examined workplace stress, there is limited research focusing on the mental health challenges faced specifically by women in Malaysian industrial settings. Guided by the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study examines how work stress, conflict with supervisors, and work-to-family conflict influence the mental health of female manufacturing workers. A quantitative design was used. Data were collected through a structured Google Form survey from 111 female employees at a glove factory in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan. The survey measured work stress, supervisor conflict, work-to-family conflict, and mental health. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 29, applying descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression. The correlation results showed that work stress (r = 0.388, p < 0.001), supervisor conflict (r = 0.479, p < 0.001), and work-to-family conflict (r = 0.469, p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with mental health. The regression model was statistically significant (R = 0.648, R² = 0.420, F = 25.636, p < 0.001). Supervisor conflict (B = 0.283, β = 0.311, p < 0.001) and work-to-family conflict (B = 0.273, β = 0.298, p = 0.005) were significant predictors of mental health. However, work stress (B = 0.171, β = 0.162, p = 0.083) was not significant when all predictors were included. These findings indicate that interpersonal stressors and role-based conflicts have a stronger effect on mental health than workload-related stress alone. The study suggests that organizations should prioritise supportive supervisory practices and implement family-friendly policies to protect the psychological well-being of female manufacturing workers. Overall, the results provide evidence that both workplace interactions and work–family demands are key factors affecting mental health in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector