Abstract

Occupational stress has emerged as a critical concern in the higher education sector, significantly influencing the mental health and overall well-being of teaching professionals. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the Quality of Work Life (QWL) among female teaching professionals employed in private and public higher educational institutions in Odisha. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected through standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to examine key dimensions such as workload, job security, work–life balance, organizational support, and psychological well-being. The findings reveal notable differences between the two institutional categories: while public institution faculty reported greater job security and organizational stability, private institution faculty experienced higher stress levels linked to performance pressure and lack of tenure. Moreover, mental health indicators showed that chronic stress adversely affected emotional resilience, job satisfaction, and teaching effectiveness. The study highlights the urgent need for institutional interventions, such as counseling services, stress management programs, and supportive leadership, to enhance the QWL and mental health of female educators. These insights can inform policy reforms aimed at promoting gender-sensitive and mentally healthy work environments in higher education across Odisha.