Workplace Promotion Ambiguity and Mental Health Stress: The Regulatory Role of a Fairness Perception-Based Evaluation Index System
Hongyan LiAbstract
Objective
This study aims to design and validate a fairness perception–based evaluation index system to mitigate ambiguous decision-making in workplace promotions, with particular attention to its impact on employees’ mental health stress levels and psychological well-being.
Subjects and Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed with 312 employees and 45 managers from various Chinese enterprises. The fairness-based index system was developed through literature analysis, expert interviews, and psychological scale validation. A quasi-experimental design compared promotion decisions made using the new system versus traditional methods. Data were collected via fairness perception scales, mental health stress assessments, organizational commitment questionnaires, and interviews.
Results
The fairness-based evaluation system significantly enhanced employees’ justice perceptions (β = 0.68, p < 0.01) and mental health outcomes. Departments using the new system reported 35% higher satisfaction with promotions, 28% lower turnover intention, and 40% fewer mental health stress symptoms. The system reduced decision ambiguity by offering transparent, psychologically informed criteria. Moderating effects showed that employees with pre-existing high mental health stress benefited most.
Conclusions
Integrating fairness perception psychology into promotion systems improves transparency, employee well-being, and mental health. The proposed index system effectively mitigates ambiguous promotion decisions and fosters a psychologically healthy workplace, underscoring the value of embedding mental health considerations into HR practices.
Acknowledgement
Anhui Provincial Department of Education Key Natural Science Project “Risk-Aware Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Preference Relations and Their Application in Health Management” (Project No: 2025AHGXZK31182).
Corresponding Author
Hongyan Li, School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Anhui Communications Technical College, Hefei, 230051, China.