# Factors Associated with the Usage of Psychological Support Services for Employees in the Romanian Technology Industry

## TL;DR

This study explores what influences Romanian tech employees to use psychological support services, focusing on barriers and motivators like time and past experiences.

## Contribution

The study identifies practical barriers and motivators specific to Romanian tech employees, offering insights for improving mental health service accessibility.

## Key findings

- Prior experience with mental health services and the need to take time off work were key factors influencing service usage.
- Barriers like cost, transportation, and stigma were not significant predictors of service use.
- A regression model explained only 8.4% of the variance, indicating the need to explore additional factors.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Mental health challenges significantly impact employee productivity, especially in high-stress industries like technology. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the intention to use psychological support services among Romanian tech employees, focusing on barriers and motivators related to availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 372 Romanian tech employees using a structured online questionnaire. The survey assessed socio-demographic data, prior experience with mental health services, perceived distress levels, and barriers categorized into four dimensions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to identify key predictors of the intention to use these services. Results: Key factors influencing the use of psychological support services included prior experience with mental health services, the need to take time off work, and the absence of a companion. Barriers such as cost, transportation, awareness of services, and stigma were not significant. The regression model explained 8.4% of the variance in the likelihood of using these services, suggesting that additional factors may need further exploration. Conclusions: Addressing practical barriers, such as time constraints and the absence of support during access, is essential to improving accessibility of these services. Leveraging positive past experiences with mental health services can enhance engagement. These findings can guide the development of targeted interventions to promote the uptake of psychological support services in the tech sector, contributing to a healthier and more productive workforce.