Job Demands-Resources Research Articles

Energy in the workplace: job demands, job resources, and employees’ inner resources as pathways to organizational outcomes

In this study, we expanded upon the job demands–resources model to assess the role of employees’ vitality as an inner resource for their work engagement and job commitment. To assess vitality and related job resources, we developed an index of vitality outside of work and adapted measures of manager autonomy support and organizational support. For job demands, we measured work stress and predicted that each of these four variables would contribute independently to work-related outcomes. Then, in a preregistered study, we collected these measures from a sample of 5,280 American workers (primarily ages 18–34, 54% female). Results from multivariate regression analyses largely confirmed our hypotheses, showing that positive work-related outcomes, such as enthusiasm, enjoyment, and job satisfaction, were positively predicted by manager autonomy supports, organizational support, and individuals’ vitality, and negatively predicted by work stress. The reverse pattern was largely observed for the negative outcome of turnover intention. Exploratory analyses also suggested that individual vitality may buffer the negative effects of stress and low manager and organizational support. The results highlight the potential role of employee vitality outside of work and managerial support in bolstering work engagement and reducing turnover intentions, offering a basis for organizational strategies aimed at improving work culture and retaining talent.

Examining the dark side of quality management: analysing work overload, exhaustion and managerial support using a moderated mediation approach

PurposeIn this study, we propose a model for analysing the association between total quality management (TQM) and exhaustion, which considers work overload as a mediation variable and investigates perceptions of managerial support as a moderating condition. Through the job demands–resources model, the study sheds light on the dilemma about the negative implications of TQM for employees.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model of relationships is analysed using matched employee–organisation survey data from two R&D-intensive sectors in Spain. Structural equation models are employed to examine the proposed relationships.FindingsOnly perceptions of hard TQM trigger a health-impairment process which increases work overload and exhaustion, whereas soft TQM decreases exhaustion and does not have negative consequences for employee well-being. We also find that managerial support can alleviate the consequences of hard TQM on exhaustion due to work overload.Originality/valuePrevious research has mainly assumed that TQM is welcomed by employees. With the aim of warning of the potential negative consequences of TQM on employees, this paper goes beyond previous contributions by analysing how hard and soft TQM may have different consequences on employees’ exhaustion and how managerial support may mitigate the negative repercussions.

Sustainable Leadership for Employee Performance and the Moderating Roles of Family-Work Conflict and Work Pressure: The Job Demands–Resources Perspective

Sustainable Leadership for Employee Performance and the Moderating Roles of Family-Work Conflict and Work Pressure: The Job Demands–Resources Perspective

Co-creating an appreciative working climate: discussing reasons for appreciation, forms and roles from a communication perspective

PurposeIn recent years, various socio-political developments have led to changes in the labor market that place high demands on both employees and organizations. Research has shown that strong employee–organization relationships depend partly on employees’ perceptions of appreciation at work for which different communicators are attributed with responsibility. This study draws conclusions for the role of internal communication professionals in co-creating an appreciative working climate by exploring employees’ expectations on what they want to be appreciated for, by identifying forms of appreciation and by stressing the contribution of communication professionals in meeting these expectations.Design/methodology/approachThe results base on three focus groups conducted in January 2023 with employees without leadership responsibility working in large Austrian organizations.FindingsThe analysis yields to two areas – “personal characteristics and qualities” and “work-related behaviors” – where employees expect appreciation. In six categories we capture forms of appreciation that reflect employees’ expectations and perceptions. Most of the forms can and should be addressed by managers within an organization—internal communication professionals should follow a communicative professional logic and act as strategic partners and resource providers, enablers and role models.Research limitations/implications(1) What do employees expect to be appreciated for? (2) What forms of appreciation do employees expect? (3) What role do internal communication professionals seize in co-creating an appreciative working climate?Practical implicationsBased on social exchange theory, resource theory and the job-demands resource (JD-R) model, this study conceptualizes appreciation as a prototypical generic socioemotional resource at work that is communicative in nature, and key to both motivation and health.LimitationsThere is a need to capture the perspective of managers and internal communication professionals on employees’ expectations in order to deepen the debate about communication responsibilities, practice and critical aspects of appreciation. Furthermore, a comparison of different work cultures (e.g. Asia) and other institutionalized work forms (e.g. start-ups, small enterprises, public agencies) would advance the debate.Originality/valueThe study provides in-depth knowledge of reasons for and forms of appreciation from an employee’s perspective, which is considered relevant to discuss communication responsibilities in light of dependencies.

Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions. Design/methodology/approach The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country. Findings SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions. Practical implications Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being. Originality/value The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.

Investigating the Influence of Time Pressure on Risky Riding Behaviour among P-Hailing Riders in Malaysia: The Mediating Role of Moral Disengagement

This study investigates the impact of time pressure on risky riding behaviour among p-hailing riders in Malaysia, with moral disengagement as a mediating factor. Drawing on Bandura's Moral Disengagement Theory and the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) Model, the research explores how time pressure influences these behaviours. A survey of 200 respondents, selected through stratified convenience sampling, was conducted across three Northern States in Malaysia, namely Perlis, Kedah, and Penang. Data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) reveals that time pressure significantly increases risky riding behaviour, with moral disengagement significantly mediates this relationship. The study finds that younger and less experienced riders are particularly susceptible to time pressure effects. Demographic data indicate that 80% of riders are under 35 years old, with 75% having less than three years of experience. Based on these findings, the research emphasises the need for targeted interventions, including specialised training programmes and improved workload management strategies, to mitigate risks associated with p-hailing. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of a cognitive mechanism factor in influencing risky riding behaviours among p-hailing riders and provides valuable insights for enhancing road safety measures. Future research directions are suggested, including exploration of additional cognitive mechanisms that may impact risky riding behaviours in this context.

The Effect of Job Demands and Job Resources on Turnover Intention Mediated by Work Engagement at PT Prinal

This research aims to identify the influence of job demands and job resources on turnover intention, with work engagement as a mediating variable at PT Prinal. The retail industry faces high turnover rates, posing a significant challenge at PT Prinal despite the industry's enormous potential. The study involved 250 employees of PT Prinal, using a non-probability sampling technique. Analysis was conducted with SmartPLS v4.1.0.5, utilizing Partial Least Square (PLS) and Structural Equation Model (SEM) techniques to test the hypotheses. The findings show that greater job expectations dramatically reduce employee engagement and increase the likelihood of leaving the position. The job demands at PT Prinal are generally counterproductive, as demonstrated by how they diminish employee engagement. On the other hand, more excellent job resources considerably raise employee engagement at work and lower the intention to leave. Since job demands and job resources directly affect turnover intention, work engagement plays a role in mediating the interaction between these three variables. These results highlight how crucial it is to manage job expectations and resources to boost work engagement and increase employee retention.

The Role of Leadership Styles, Work-Life Balance and The Physical Environment in Promoting Psychological Well-Being: A Job Demands-Resources Perspective

This conceptual paper explores the impact of leadership styles, work-life balance, and the physical environment on psychological well-being using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model as the theoretical framework. In the contemporary workplace, evolving job demands, rising expectations for mental health support, and persistent stressors like job insecurity have increased the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being. Leadership is identified as a critical mediating variable that enhances or mitigates the effectiveness of job resources, such as work-life balance and physical environment, in promoting psychological well-being. Transformational and servant leadership styles are emphasized for their role in fostering supportive work environments that buffer the negative effects of high job demands. Additionally, the paper underscores how well-designed workspaces and balanced work-life integration can significantly enhance employee well-being, contributing to higher engagement and performance. The JD-R model provides a robust lens through which the interactions between job demands, resources, and leadership can be examined. This framework offers organizations practical strategies to safeguard employee psychological well-being by fostering leadership that advocates for flexible work arrangements and supportive physical environments. Future research should empirically validate the proposed relationships to further refine the role of leadership in promoting employee well-being.

Generative AI: Boosting Adaptability and Reducing Workplace Overload

ABSTRACT In the evolving digital work environment, the rising prevalence of generative AI tools presents a complex challenge for practitioners: deciding whether to allow or restrict their use in organizational settings. Our research contributes to expanding the broaden-and-build theory and the job demands-resources model (JD-R) within the context of generative AI tools usage. This study investigates the impact of generative AI tools on employees’ perceived work overload, focusing on the mediating role of employee adaptability. Utilizing a survey of 307 employees and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques, findings show that generative AI tools usage by employees not only directly reduces perceived work overload but also significantly boosts employee adaptability, further decreasing perceived work overload. This highlights the dual benefits of generative AI tools in the workplace, offering valuable insights for managers on consciously integrating these technologies to enhance adaptability and reduce workload stress.

School support, perceived value and teachers' digital training adaptability: A multilevel moderated mediation model

AbstractDigital training has significantly transformed the landscape of teacher professional development, introducing various uncertainties. In this context, adaptability can play a crucial role in helping teachers cope with stress and effectively navigate new and changing scenarios. However, existing research on adaptability has not adequately addressed the specific challenges and opportunities presented by digital training, nor has it thoroughly explored the interplay between external factors and individual characteristics. Therefore, this study is based on job demands‐resources (JD‐R) theory to explore the school‐level (school support) and individual‐level (perceived value) predictors that influence teachers' digital training adaptability (DTA) and their mechanisms of action through hierarchical linear model. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to 552 teachers from 55 schools who had participated in digital training. The results of multilevel regression analyses show that (1) emotional support and cognitive support have a significant positive effect on teachers' DTA; (2) perceived value plays a mediating role in the relationship among emotional support, cognitive support, and teachers' DTA; and (3) emotional support weakens the relationship between perceived value and teachers' DTA, but cognitive support enhances this relationship. The study discusses these results further to propose feasible recommendations for building a community that improves the support system and adopts evidence‐based policy‐making to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of training, thereby improving teachers' DTA.

A longitudinal study of health-impairment and motivational processes in the psychosocial work environment and the subsequent influence on teachers’ intention to remain at their workplace

ABSTRACT This study examines the concurrent influence of health-impairment and motivational processes proposed by the Job Demands-Resource model on teachers’ intention to remain at their workplace at 12 and 24 months among 308 certified teachers in Sweden. Teachers’ perceptions of job demands (quantitative demands, emotional demands, work pace) and job resources (possibilities for development, social support from supervisor, social support from colleagues, recognition) were measured at baseline whereas exhaustion, work engagement, and retention intention were measured at 12 months and 24 months. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling and subsidiary analyses explored the moderating effects of job resources on the health-impairment process at 12 and 24 months. The findings indicate that the health-impairment process is a stronger predictor of teachers’ retention intention at 12 and 24 months than the motivational process and that the primary focus of teacher retention policies should be optimising teachers job demands rather than enhancing teachers’ job resources.

Shifts in task absorption during decision-making episodes

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, this study investigates the impact of new technology on organizational work dynamics. By integrating the Job Demands-Resources theory and the Episodic Process Model, we examine the cognitive mechanisms that influence task performance during decision-making episodes. Our research focuses on episodic job demands and resources, emphasizing the mediating role of task absorption in the relationship between these factors and task performance. Our findings reveal that episodic job resources positively affect task absorption and performance, while job demands moderate the relationship between job resources and task absorption. Employing the Beer Distribution Game alongside neuroscience-based eye-tracking techniques, we analyze visual attention dynamics during decision-making episodes, providing novel insights into the interplay between task absorption and task performance. Theoretically, our study highlights the significance of task absorption in understanding how episodic job resources impact decision-making performance. Practically, our results advocate for the implementation of decision-making-focused skills development through physiological measures such as neurofeedback training programs. This research underscores the importance of individual time management in enhancing task performance, contributing to a nuanced understanding of job resources, job demands, and task absorption in the context of technological transformation.

In the shoes of junior doctors: a qualitative exploration of job performance using the job-demands resources model

In the shoes of junior doctors: a qualitative exploration of job performance using the job-demands resources model

Time pressure, coping strategies and work engagement: moderation of inclusive-leadership

PurposeThis study aims to unravel the effects of time pressure on work engagement within Chinese organizational settings, considering the moderating effect of inclusive leadership and the mediating role of coping strategies. It seeks to apply and extend theories such as the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, Lazarus’s stress and coping (LSC) framework and leader–member exchange (LMX) theory on stress and coping to understand these dynamics comprehensively.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected responses from 211 Chinese professionals in the manufacturing sector through a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsResults reveal that problem-focused coping strategies positively correlate with work engagement, whereas emotion-focused coping strategies do not show a significant association. Both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies mediate the relationship between time pressure and work engagement. Additionally, inclusive leadership positively moderates the relationship between time pressure and both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies.Practical implicationsOrganizational leaders and HR practitioners of companies can devise interventions to enhance employee engagement by leveraging the findings of this study, which advances our understanding of the critical role of coping strategies and the influence of inclusive leadership, particularly under time pressure, which is prevalent in fast-paced work environments.Originality/valueThe research integrates the JD-R model, LMX theory and LSC framework to explore workplace dynamics in China, presenting new insights into coping mechanisms and leadership roles in high-pressure environments.

Ethical leadership and followers’ job crafting: the mediating role of followers’ role-breadth self-efficacy and work engagement

PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the link between ethical leadership and followers’ job crafting. Based on social learning theory and the job demands-resources model, we expected that followers’ role-breadth self-efficacy and work engagement would serially mediate the association between this leadership style and followers’ job crafting.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative analysis was conducted among a sample of 458 subordinates that assessed the ethical leadership of their direct supervisor and reported on their own role-breadth self-efficacy, engagement and job crafting behaviours.FindingsEthical leadership was positively associated with followers’ increasing structural resources, increasing social resources and increasing challenging demands. The mediation hypothesis was supported for increasing challenging demands but not for increasing social resources. Results unexpectedly suggested that the indirect positive effect suppresses the direct negative effect of ethical leadership on followers’ increasing structural resources, the total effect becoming positive. This leadership style was not associated with followers’ decreasing hindering demands.Practical implicationsThe research highlights the possibility that ethical leadership trainings may stimulate followers' job crafting.Originality/valueThe study explores for the first time the relationship between this leadership style and job crafting behaviours of subordinates and, moreover, provides an explanatory mechanism for the relationship between these variables.

Insights into longevity and the professional lifespan of early and mid-to-late career teachers: perspectives of teacher wellbeing

ABSTRACT This article reports on the findings of research that investigated the personal, organisational, and socio-political factors that affect early and mid-to-late career teachers’ well-being in Australian schools. Framed through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources Model, the study focused on both positive and negative indicators of teacher well-being. Informed by a qualitative research methodology, the study draws upon data from in-depth semi-structured interviews with early and mid-to-late career teachers which addressed four dimensions of impact on teacher well-being: (i) job/professional resources, (ii) job/professional demands, (iii) school culture, and (iv) social, cultural, and political challenges. Examination of the data indicates that both novice and experienced teachers rely significantly on accessible resources like mentorship, professional learning communities, increased autonomy, and interpersonal connections, which contribute positively to their overall well-being. However, challenges such as time constraints, administrative responsibilities, toxic school environments, and larger systemic issues exert detrimental effects on teachers’ well-being.

Factors affecting occupational burnout in medical staff: a path analysis based on the job demands-resources perspective.

To assess occupational burnout conditions and work-related factors among frontline medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyse the relationships among these factors utilizing the job demands-resources (JD-R) model as a theoretical framework. An online survey was distributed to medical staff in one city via convenience sampling during 12/29/2022-1/10/2023. Path analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between work-related factors and occupational burnout among frontline medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Among 474 respondents, 455 frontline medical staff (female=79.56%) were included in the final analysis. Medical staff aged <35 exhibited higher levels of occupational burnout than did older staff. Depression/anxiety and workload were positively correlated with occupational burnout and negatively correlated with self-compassion, workplace health/safety, and workplace support. Path analysis indicated the direct effects of workplace support, depression/anxiety, workplace health/safety, self-compassion, and workload on occupational burnout. There were also partial mediating effects of workplace support, depression/anxiety, workplace health/safety, and self-compassion on occupational burnout. The model demonstrated good fit. Workplace support, a crucial job resource, can improve occupational burnout among frontline medical staff in various ways. Reducing anxiety, depression, and workload and improving workplace support, health/safety, and self-compassion are practical and effective measures for mitigating occupational burnout.

Does work overload of odd-job platform workers lead to turnover intention? An empirical study on platform workers

PurposeAgainst the background of the digital economy, odd-job platforms rely on artificial intelligence algorithms to efficiently allocate tasks and monitor platform workers’ performance, putting these workers under enormous pressure. This paper explores the relationship between work overload and turnover intention of platform workers on odd-job platforms and the factors that lead to platform workers’ turnover.Design/methodology/approachBased on the job demands–resources model (JD-R), we construct a theoretical model to explain the relationship between work overload and turnover intention of platform workers. We test job burnout as a mediator variable and perceived algorithmic fairness and job autonomy as moderating variables. We conducted a study at food delivery platforms and ride-hailing platforms in China.FindingsThe empirical results show that: (1) work overload increases the turnover intention of platform workers by increasing job burnout and (2) perceived algorithmic fairness and job autonomy moderate the positive relationship between work overload and job burnout.Originality/valueWe provide a theoretical basis to explain the influence of work overload on turnover intention of odd-job platform workers and provide practical recommendations for management of platform workers.

From dreamers to doers: A personal and job resources interaction among intrapreneurial managers

Abstract Drawing on job-demands resources and self-consistency theories, this study investigates individual and contextual factors influencing managers’ intrapreneurial intention (INI). We focus on the role of personal resources (organization-based self-esteem and proactivity) related to INI. Further, we analyze job resources (top management support and role clarity) shaping INI, and their interaction with proactivity. Our data comprises 193 Kosovan managers employed in companies varying in size and industry. The results show that organization-based self-esteem and proactivity are positively related to INI. Additionally, proactivity serves as the underlying mechanism, mediating organization-based self-esteem-INI relationship. Furthermore, job resources – top management support and role clarity – strengthen the likelihood of INI among proactive employees, suggesting a moderated mediation model. By jointly examining individual and contextual antecedents of INI, this study contributes to the debate of who the intrapreneur is and what nurtures his/her inclinations. Furthermore, this is among the few studies to examine INI using a managerial sample and in an emerging economy context.

The Mediating Role of Technological Support in Enhancing Employee Productivity and Job Satisfaction through Remote Work Policies in Indonesia

Research aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work globally, including in Indonesia. This study investigates the impact of remote work policies on employee productivity and job satisfaction in Indonesia, with an emphasis on the mediating role of technological support.Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a sample of 300 respondents from various industries, we employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the data.Research findings: The results indicate that remote work positively influences both employee productivity and job satisfaction. Furthermore, technological support significantly enhances these effects, underscoring its critical role in successful remote work implementation.Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The findings extend the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model by highlighting the critical mediating role of technological support in enhancing the positive impacts of remote work policies on employee productivity and job satisfaction.Practitioners/Policy Implications: These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders aiming to optimize remote work strategies through effective technological investments.Research Limitations/Implications: This study's primary limitation is the reliance on self-reported data from a specific geographic region, which may not fully capture the diverse experiences and technological infrastructures present in other parts of Indonesia.