Employee Well-being Research Articles

The Role of Organizational Culture in Employee Retention in Kosovar Businesses

This research aimed to examine the impact of organizational culture on employee retention, providing insights to enhance long-term engagement and satisfaction. A mixed-methods approach was used, beginning with a comprehensive literature review of organizational culture and employee retention. Surveys were conducted with a representative sample of employees across different sectors in Kosovo. The data were analyzed using regression and correlation techniques to identify quantitative relationships between organizational culture and retention. The findings reveal that organizational culture plays a significant role in employee retention. Specifically, cultures focused on employee well-being, career development, and transparency are positively associated with higher retention rates. Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that align with their values, offer support, and create a transparent working environment. Conversely, toxic cultures marked by negativity and poor leadership are linked to higher turnover. The study underscores the importance of fostering a positive, inclusive culture that prioritizes employee growth. Kosovar businesses should invest in employee development, training, and continuous feedback to build a productive environment that supports retention.

Worker well-being in the digital economy: Lens through bibliometrics analysis

Orientation: The study employed bibliometrics analysis to investigate key research themes and trends on digital economy and worker well-being.Research purpose: The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of worker well-being and digital economy to identify prominent and emerging research themes in this domain.Motivation for the study: Given the rapid digital transformation of workplaces, there is a need to assess literature trends on workers’ well-being and the digital economy.Research approach/design and method: The study employed a quantitative bibliometrics analysis to map literature on worker well-being and the digital economy. Data from Scopus were collected and screened through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of 1473 documents were considered meeting the study’s criteria. The scientific literature production, country scientific production, conceptual structure (co-occurrence network, thematic map and thematic evolution) and keyword analysis were used to analyse the data.Main findings: The analysis revealed the following key themes, including task performance, emotional labour, employee voice, career adaptability, job satisfaction, employee well-being, work engagement, proactive personality and psychology of work.Practical/managerial implications: The findings underscore the need for organisations to implement employee well-being initiatives and support mechanisms to address the challenges posed by digital work environments.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed map of the research landscape. The study shows the need to address well-being challenges because of poverty, vulnerability and changing psychology of work. The study also shows importance of adaptability, work engagement and support systems for employees.

The Generation-Based Effects of the Fear of COVID-19 on Deluxe Hotel Employees’ Responses

Purpose: While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to many organizations, overcoming it has also provided an opportunity to refocus organizational sustainability. This study examined the relationship between the perceived fear of COVID-19 among deluxe hotel employees and their ages, psychological well-being, and turnover intent. It also tested the moderating effect of these employees’ sense of calling on the aforementioned relationship. Design/methodology/approach: The collected data were analyzed using Analysis MOment Structure (AMOS) and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The five hypotheses were validated using structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis. Findings: The results showed that the fear of COVID-19 was strong among young employees (Beta = −0.160) and that employees’ psychological well-being (Beta = −0.299) diminished as this fear grew. Psychological well-being negatively influenced turnover intent (Beta = −0.234). Finally, the fear of COVID-19 exerted a minimal effect on the psychological well-being of employees with a strong sense of calling.

Burnout: a comprehensive review

AbstractBurnout has been the focus of extensive scientific research. The World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon, defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that remains unmanaged and characterized by three dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. Existing literature highlights limitations in current measurement instruments for diagnostic purposes. These tools often yield scores that overlap with other conditions such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Chronic exposure to high job demands and low job resources emerges as the primary trigger for burnout. While individual characteristics (such as neuroticism) may increase susceptibility, specific personality traits associated with higher risk remain unclear. Burnout has adverse effects on both individuals and organizations. Typical interventions focus on stress relief and coping strategies to manage high job demands, but their effectiveness diminishes over time. Evidence from organizational interventions suggests that improving employees’ working conditions can reduce burnout risk. Combined interventions offer promise by creating a healthy work environment while empowering employees to handle occasional stress. Social partners should advocate for support in researching burnout, aiming for a clear diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures to mitigate psychosocial risks in the workplace.Practical Relevance: The findings of this article highlight the importance of addressing both job demands and job resources to mitigate burnout in organizational settings. Implementing interventions that improve working conditions and provide adequate support can significantly reduce burnout risk and enhance employee well-being. Organizations should prioritize creating a healthy work environment and empowering employees with the necessary resources to manage workload effectively.

Active rest with exercise for pharmacy workers: an ergonomic approach to prevent musculoskeletal injury risk

This study aims to carefully review published articles examining the effect of active rest with exercise to prevent the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among pharmacy workers. Using the systematic literature review method, data were obtained from a thorough search on Google Scholar. The keywords were "Active Rest AND Exercise AND Injury Risk AND Musculoskeletal AND Pharmacy Worker AND Ergonomics". Additionally, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select articles that align with the study objective. For example, it focused on articles indexed in the Scopus database and published between 2019 and 2024. For standard operationalization, this study followed the PRISMA method. Based on the search results, 6,850 articles were found from various sources. Furthermore, the articles went through several stages of the screening process, in which 8 articles that fit the theme and met the inclusion requirements were selected. The results of this study found that active rest programs had a positive impact on the work productivity, physical activity, and physical fitness of pharmacy workers. In addition, an occupational safety and health (OSH) program, a supportive work environment, and the promotion of an active lifestyle with exercise were also important in improving productivity. Adjustment of active rest programs for specific types of workers, effective behavior change interventions, ergonomic education, and multimodal physical therapy have been shown to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this study support the assumption that a comprehensive intervention program can prevent musculoskeletal injuries, improve employee well-being and comfort, and provide guidance for healthcare practitioners and pharmaceutical company managers in designing effective active rest programs.

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.

Beyond the 9-to-5: Unravelling the Pros and Cons of Moonlighting in Today’s Job Market

In current years, moonlighting, defined as the practice of performing multiple tasks simultaneously, has gained prominence as an integral part of the evolving business environment. The first section explains the meaning and theoretical basis of moonlight. We explore its historical background, legal implications, and impact on employee well-being through established research. The second section focuses on our research methodology, highlighting the data selection criteria included in this study, which are carefully detailed. Strong research practices ensure the accuracy of our findings. The third category classifies motivations for moonlight behaviour. From economic incentives to personal preferences, we explore why individuals choose to balance multiple roles. The fourth section includes sector-specific research that sheds light on broad moonlighting across sectors. We explore how moonlight and gig economy trends align with traditional employment models. The relationship between moonlighting and organizational commitment is explored in Section V. We examine whether moonlighting affects loyalty, participation, and performance in an employee’s primary job. Our paper concludes by summarizing the main takeaways and proposing avenues for future research. Moonlighting is a multifaceted phenomenon, and understanding its implications is critical for employees and employers alike. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on career mobility, and provides insights for policy makers, HR professionals, and scholars alike. As organizations adapt to the changing landscape, acknowledging and addressing moonlighting practices becomes essential for sustainable workforce management.

When the Caregivers Need Care: The Silent Stress of Human Resources Work

The aim of this study is to examine the stress and pressure experienced by individuals working in human resources, focusing on the unique challenges that this work entails. This research is therefore guided by the question: what are the characteristics of work-related stress and burnout for individuals working in human resources? This study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Initially, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight human resources professionals, comprising an equal number of women and men. Subsequently, a survey was administered to a broader group of human resources personnel. The quantitative analysis utilized the “Copenhagen Burnout Inventory” as a measurement tool, alongside background questions regarding the participants’ gender, age, job title, field of work, and seniority. The findings from both the qualitative and quantitative research indicate that employees in human resource roles exhibit significant stress symptoms. A majority of the interviewees reported experiencing mental and/or physical symptoms attributable to work-related stress. Specifically, the quantitative data revealed that 65.7% of the participants sometimes or often feel mentally exhausted, while 40.3% report similar levels of physical exhaustion. Notably, despite these challenges, only 8.7% of the participants identify as being burnt-out in their roles. The quantitative results also highlight gender as a significant factor affecting the mental and physical well-being of human resources employees, with women reporting lower levels of well-being compared to men.

Exploring the impact of economic crisis on psychological wellbeing and employee performance

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of economic crises on the relationship between psychological wellbeing and employee performance, using the Lebanese economic crisis as a case study. Given the critical role of employees in organisational success, understanding how crises affect their wellbeing and performance is essential. This research employs a quantitative methodology, analysing data from 286 employees across local and multinational organisations in Lebanon. The data were processed using SPSS. Key findings reveal that self-acceptance and personal growth significantly enhance employee performance, while positive workplace relationships are positively associated with contextual performance. These results highlight the importance of fostering psychological wellbeing to maintain and improve employee performance, particularly in economically strained environments. The study provides practical insights for managers and policymakers to develop strategies that support employee wellbeing during crises.

Assessing the state of cognitive performance of employees and determining the range of thermal comfort of different genders in Ilam hospitals

Introduction: Thermal comfort is essential for a productive work environment and affects the well-being and performance of employees, so maintaining optimal levels of satisfaction, productivity, and efficiency, especially in indoor spaces, is essential. Therefore, the present study's aim is to evaluate the state of cognitive performance. Employees and determination of the thermal comfort range of different genders of employees in the hospitals of Ilam city were done. Methods and Materials: This research was conducted by survey and field method to identify the state of thermal comfort and cognitive performance of people in the real conditions of therapeutic spaces. For this purpose, the responses of 400 employees of five hospitals in Ilam City were recorded by simple sampling from the beginning of August to November 1402. The reliability status of the questionnaires was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha, and the thermal comfort status of the people was determined through the regression model. Linearity and correlation analysis between measured variables were analyzed through SPSS27 software. Results: The analysis of the linear regression model showed that the range of thermal comfort between men and women differs by 1.79 degrees Celsius, and this difference is a tendency for warmer temperatures in men and a tendency for colder temperatures in women, the average scores obtained at Zagros Hospital In the visual-spatial/executive component (7.00), attention (4.34), memory (3.08) has the best performance, Imam Khomeini Hospital (RA) has the best performance in the verbal component (2.95), Hazrat Qaim Hospital (A) In the abstraction component (2.02), it has the best performance and awareness of time and place in all hospitals equal to 6.00. Conclusion: The level of coverage and activity rate among women significantly affects the feeling of thermal comfort, cognitive performance, and productivity of employees at work. The results of this research show the need to revise the current standards of workplace clothing, attendance time, and employee activity rate. Moreover, changes in cognitive performance among hospital staff highlight the need to consider targeted cognitive enhancement strategies to increase staff efficiency.

Service Robots in the Workplace: Fostering Sustainable Collaboration by Alleviating Perceived Burdensomeness

This study investigates the impact of job demands and perceived burdensomeness on employees’ willingness to collaborate with service robots (SRs) in the workplace, with a focus on the moderating effects of organizational support, self-esteem, and self-development. Conducted among 200 employees in South Korea, the results show that higher job demands significantly increase perceived burdensomeness, which negatively affects employees’ willingness to collaborate with SRs. Organizational support moderates the negative impact of job demands, reducing their detrimental effects, although it was less effective in buffering the reduction in social interaction. Self-esteem and self-development positively moderated the relationship between burdensomeness and collaboration. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable workforce management by highlighting the importance of fostering personal and organizational resources to ensure that SR integration enhances both operational efficiency and employee well-being. The findings align with broader sustainability goals by promoting human–robot collaboration that optimizes resource use, enhances workforce adaptability, and maintains social and psychological balance in the workplace.

Leading with Empathy: How Understanding Others Creates Connection and Drives Success

This article examines the role of empathy in effective leadership. Through a review of scholarly literature from fields such as psychology, management, and health sciences, the article defines empathy and distinguishes it from related concepts like sympathy. It explores how empathy involves understanding others' perspectives and experiences on an emotional level. The article then discusses four key strategies leaders can use to develop stronger empathy skills, such as active listening, perspective taking, emotional self-regulation, and storytelling. Drawing on empirical research, the potential organizational benefits of leader empathy are outlined, including increased employee trust, engagement, and well-being. Specific examples demonstrate how empathy has strengthened culture and driven performance outcomes in companies and other institutions. Finally, the article advocates for leaders to incorporate empathy more fully into their approaches to better connect with people and foster environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

ANALYSING THE ROLE OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL IN PROMOTING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING IN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS: INSIGHTS FROM PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN ALGERIA

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of positive psychological capital on enhancing employee well-being within healthcare organizations, with a focus on public hospitals in Algeria. The aim is to gain insights from administrators working in these institutions to understand how positive psychological capital influences employee well-being. Theoretical Reference: The study is grounded in the theory of positive psychology, specifically focusing on the concept of psychological capital. It seeks to understand how positive psychological resources such as optimism, resilience, hope, and self-efficacy contribute to the well-being of employees in healthcare settings. Methodology: The methodology employed involves surveying 97 administrators from public hospitals in Algeria. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to gather data, and analysis was conducted using SmartPLS4 software, which utilizes the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. This approach allows for examining the relationships between variables, particularly the influence of positive psychological capital on employee well-being. Findings: The findings indicate a significant role of positive psychological capital in promoting employee well-being within healthcare organizations. The study reveals that enhancements in positive psychological capital correlate with increased levels of psychological, social, and physical well-being among employees. These results underscore the importance of fostering positive psychological resources in healthcare work environments to support the well-being and performance of staff members. Implications for Theory and Practice: The study contributes to theoretical understanding by emphasizing the importance of positive psychological capital in healthcare settings. It suggests that interventions aimed at enhancing positive psychological resources can lead to improvements in employee well-being and overall organizational performance. Practically, the findings suggest that healthcare organizations in Algeria should prioritize strategies that cultivate positive psychological capital among employees to foster a supportive and thriving work environment. Originality: This research offers original insights into the relationship between positive psychological capital and employee well-being in the context of healthcare organizations in Algeria. By focusing on public hospitals and involving administrators in the study, it provides unique perspectives that contribute to the existing literature on positive psychology and organizational well-being. The study's findings fill a gap in understanding the role of positive psychological resources in promoting employee well-being within healthcare settings, particularly in the Algerian context.

The effectiveness of an intervention using LAWE (loveliness and well-being of employees) app to improve the employee’s mental well-being

Background: Organizations are increasingly seeking comprehensive approaches to improve employee mental well-being (EMW). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions delivered through the "Loveliness and Well-being of Employees" (LAWE) app, focusing on five key predictors: "Keep Learning," "Connect," "Take Notice," "Be Active," and "Given". Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention was conducted with 110 participants (53 in the intervention group and 57 in the non-intervention group) from the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Southeastern Iran. Participants were recruited from a census of all employees at four schools. The intervention involved an Android-based app designed to enhance EMW through pre-designed tasks. Six standard tools were used to assess EMW and its predictors. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28, employing Independent Samples T-Test, paired-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficient and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The intervention group showed a significant increase in mean EMW score, from 52.26±8.61 to 60.01±6.95 (P<0.01). Based on ANCOVA analysis, the post-intervention mean score was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group by 0.219 points (P<0.01). The mean score of all predictors, except "Take Notice" (P=0.17), also significantly improved in the intervention group. Additionally, post-intervention comparison between the two groups revealed significant differences in mean EMW score (P<0.01), as well as in the mean scores for "Keep Learning" (P<0.05), "Given" (P<0.01), and "Connect" (P<0.01). Conclusion: The LAWE app provides a desirable and comprehensive platform for improving the EMW in organizations. It significantly improves most of the key predictors of EMW, making it a valuable resource for organizations aiming to promote employee well-being.

THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN CRISIS LEADERSHIP: EFFECTS ON EMPLOYEE MORALE AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE

This research paper examines the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in crisis leadership and its influence on employee morale and organizational resilience. By analyzing theoretical frameworks such as Golemans Emotional Intelligence Model, Transformational Leadership Theory, and Crisis Management Theories, the study establishes the significance of EI as a critical asset for leaders navigating crises. The paper delves into how emotionally intelligent leaders-who demonstrate empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication-enhance employee morale, create a supportive work environment, and build trust during times of uncertainty. Key findings indicate that leaders with high EI can mitigate the negative emotional impacts of crises, thereby preserving morale, fostering a sense of security, and promoting collective resilience. Furthermore, the research reveals that emotionally intelligent leadership not only addresses the immediate emotional needs of employees but also contributes to long-term organizational resilience by fostering a culture of psychological safety and adaptability. Through real-world case studies, the paper contrasts the outcomes of EI-driven leadership with those of low EI leadership, highlighting the far-reaching impact on employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational stability. The implications suggest that developing emotional intelligence in leaders is essential for maintaining a motivated and resilient workforce capable of navigating complex and unpredictable business environments. Ultimately, the research underscores the strategic importance of integrating emotional intelligence into crisis leadership to ensure sustainable organizational success and employee well-being.

They don’t really care about us: the impact of perceived vertical pay disparity on employee well-being

ABSTRACT The gap in pay between those at the top of organizations and other organizational members continues to grow. In this paper, we tested the link between the perception of this vertical pay gap and people’s well-being at work. Specifically, we tested whether greater perceptions that pay is unequally distributed couples with people’s feelings that they are not valued (Lind & Tyler, 1988), eroding their sense of identification and well-being. In two cross-sectional surveys, Study 1a and 1b (N = 1335), we found that the more US and Italian workers perceived that there was a large vertical pay gap at work, the greater their tendency to feel that their organization was not concerned about their welfare. They were also less satisfied in their jobs and less likely to identify with their organization. In two pre-registered experiments, Study 2a and 2b (N total = 785), we manipulated the vertical pay gap in hypothetical organizations and found that when the pay gap was large (versus small) participants felt that the organization was less concerned about their welfare. They also expected to be less satisfied in their jobs, to identify less with the organization, and to experience greater work-life interference.

Balancing Equity and Innovation of Japanese Corporate Governance

This paper critically examines Japanese corporate governance, evaluating its role as a benefit or constraint in achieving equity and efficiency. It contrasts Japan's stakeholder-oriented model, characterized by long-term stability and employee-centric management, with the shareholder-focused frameworks of the United States and the United Kingdom. The analysis focuses on the unique roles of CEOs in Japan, emphasizing their responsibility toward employee welfare over short-term financial gains. It further explores Japan's historical business structures, including Zaibatsu and Keiretsu, which foster interconnected corporate networks but limit flexibility and innovation. The relationship between firms and main banks within Keiretsu is analyzed, highlighting their role in financial oversight and stability. Additionally, the study addresses Japan's "Three Sacred Treasures" of labor-management relations—lifetime employment, seniority-based wages, and enterprise unions—as integral to its governance approach. Despite its strengths, Japan’s model faces challenges, including limited board independence and slow decision-making processes. Recent reforms aimed at increasing transparency and aligning with global governance standards are discussed, suggesting a shift toward a hybrid model that blends traditional stability with market responsiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving dynamics of Japanese corporate governance, offering insights into its impact on Japan’s global economic competitiveness.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Employee Turnover Intention among IT Sector Employees

Employee turnover is an important problem in the IT sector. However, there are still few comprehensive discussions on the current trends in employee turnover research. This study aims to comprehensively investigate relevant literature from 2019 to 2023 by bibliometric analysis to facilitate detailed exploration. The study has collected many academic documents and provided a comprehensive overview of recent research landscapes. Using the Scopus database, we used library analysis to examine the publication on employee turnover intentions between 2019 and 2023. The results showed a significant increase in research on turnover intentions, which highlighted their continued relevance in organizational research. In addition, the study identified and mapped a group of academic research focusing on employee turnover intentions, job satisfaction, employee management, and employee turnover. Key themes, influential works, and outstanding contributions were highlighted, showing the main contributors and key publications in this area. The information obtained from this study provides a valuable basis for future research and guides researchers to the most important research areas. The recommendations proposed will contribute to the development of effective retention strategies and promote better working conditions, ultimately contributing to the success and well-being of organizations and employees.

The elephant in the room: How personal and workplace traits shape role stress in the construction industry

Geographical regions shape workplace stress, as each location presents distinct environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions. These regional variations contribute to varying stress levels among workers depending on their unique conditions. This study explored the effects of personal and workplace traits on the role stress of the construction workforce in the South Asian region. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey involving 274 project-level personnel from ten construction companies in Sri Lanka. Factor analysis validated regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of personal and workplace traits on role stress. The results highlighted the significance of age, education level, and organization tenure in shaping role stress. Specifically, the increasing age was associated with decreased role overload and work-family conflict. A higher level of education was linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing role conflict. Extended organization tenure was found to decrease role ambiguity but increase role conflict and work-family conflict among construction project employees. These findings hold implications for shaping organizational policies aimed at improving employee well-being. By incorporating these insights, organizations can develop strategies that foster a more supportive and healthier work environment.

Work life balance and pro environmenal behavior on sustainability

This study investigates the impact of work-life balance (WLB) and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) on sustainability outcomes in Indonesia's manufacturing sector. As sustainability becomes increasingly important within industrial settings, understanding the role of human-centric factors like WLB and PEB can offer unique insights into achieving sustainable practices. Data were collected from 278 employees across the top four manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via LISREL, the study demonstrates that both WLB and PEB significantly contribute to perceived sustainability outcomes. The results indicate that employees who experience a healthy work-life balance are more likely to engage in behaviors that support environmental initiatives, ultimately enhancing organizational sustainability. These findings suggest that promoting a supportive work environment and encouraging eco-friendly behaviors can facilitate sustainable business practices. The study’s implications highlight the importance of integrating employee well-being into sustainability strategies within manufacturing industries, providing actionable recommendations for managers and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable development.