<![CDATA[The banking industry in Indonesia is currently facing increasingly high operational demands, ranging from the achievement of business targets and pressure to deliver excellent customer service to the need to adapt to rapid digital transformation, all of which require employees to consistently perform at an optimal level. Under these conditions, employee performance becomes a critical element in maintaining operational effectiveness and service quality within the banking sector. At the same time, high job demands have the potential to induce work stress among employees, which, if not properly managed, may adversely affect their psychological well-being and lead to an overall decline in performance. This study examines the effect of work stress on employee performance, with mental health serving as a mediating variable, among employees of Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) at the Bandar Lampung Branch Office. The data used in this study were primary data obtained from respondents' answers collected through the distribution of questionnaires. The sample consisted of 230 respondents, selected using a non-probability sampling method with a convenience sampling technique. This study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis with the assistance of IBM AMOS, along with the Sobel test to examine the mediating effect. The findings support the hypothesis that work stress has a negative and significant effect on employee performance, and that mental health partially mediates the negative effect of work stress on the performance of BTN and BSI employees at the Bandar Lampung Branch Office. Based on the results of the descriptive analysis, this study recommends the need to review the distribution of workload and to arrange working hours and rest periods more proportionally, to provide psychological support programs and stress management training, and to offer appreciation or incentives as a form of recognition for employees' efforts and dedication in performing their work to the fullest extent.]]>
