This study examined the relationship between mental health and turnover intentions among hospitality employees as a basis for developing a structured stress reduction program. Specifically, the study assessed employees’ levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion, determined the extent of turnover intentions, analyzed the relationship between mental health indicators and turnover intentions, and proposed an intervention program tailored to employees identified needs. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 150 frontline hospitality employees from selected hotels and casual dining establishments in the Philippines using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and standardized turnover intention measures. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and regression analysis using SPSS version 27. Findings revealed high levels of stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and turnover intentions among respondents. Significant positive relationships were found between mental health indicators and turnover intentions, with emotional exhaustion demonstrating the strongest association. The findings suggest that psychological strain substantially contributes to employees’ intentions to leave hospitality organizations. Based on the results, a structured stress reduction program emphasizing mental health awareness, counseling support, stress management training, supervisory support, and work-life balance initiatives was proposed to improve employee well-being and workforce retention.

Keywords: mental health, turnover intentions, hospitality employees, stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, stress reduction program