Special Issue "Wellbeing and Healthy Work Relationships: From Theoretical Perspectives to Interventions"

A special issue of Administrative Sciences (ISSN 2076-3387).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2023 | Viewed by 13454

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paula C. Neves
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Polytechnic of Coimbra, College of Education, Coimbra, Portugal
2. Polytechnic of Coimbra, Research Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences of ESEC, Coimbra, Portugal
3. Centre of 20th Century Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: organizational behavior; organizational citizenship behavior
Prof. Dr. Claudia Andrade
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Coimbra Education School, Polytechnic of Coimbra, 3030-033 Coimbra, Portugal
2. Center of Psychology, University of Porto, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal
Interests: work–family relations; gender; emerging adulthood; work and career
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
2. Social Studies Center - University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: occupational stress; psychotherapy; psychopathology
1. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
2. Center of Psychology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: social psychology; gender studies; gender roles

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While wellbeing at the workplace encompasses different aspects of working life, there is a recognition that, to promote workers’ well-being, organizations must ensure that the workers feel safe, healthy, satisfied, valued, and engaged in positive relationships at work. Although organizational practices such as task assignment or goal-setting may have the potential to induce workers´ strain, workers too often feel that sustained pressure can quickly lead to mental health issues, reducing levels of productivity, performance, and confidence. Moreover, the characteristics of some work contexts, such as the case of health or civil-protection professionals, among others, can increase the psychosocial risks associated with the nature of work. In both cases, raising awareness and supporting workers’ mental health and wellbeing can promote a culture of prevention against the potential effects of stress and burnout. Overall, the demand to reduce the psychosocial risks associated with work and promote healthy environments and workers’ sense of wellbeing at the workplace involves actions that focus on policies and practices to improve the work environment and organizational culture; work–life policies; learning, developing, and career opportunities; and good work design, communication, and leadership. A wide range of organizations and enterprises are calling for potential solutions that recognize the importance of investing in measures to minimize the risk by promoting wellbeing at the workplace that should include decent and satisfying working conditions. Identifying the key conditions of workplaces is vital to promote tailored measures committed to making the workplace and work relationships more satisfying with links to engagement levels, general health, and well-being of the workforce with implications for increased levels of satisfaction, productivity, and a healthy work context with a supportive climate and culture.

Given the complexity of factors associated with wellbeing and healthy work relationships, there is a need to further understand the roles played by both contextual (i.e., organizational and managerial) and individual characteristics in preventing the occurrence health hazards and how to better mitigate these hazards by promoting coping strategies, as well as good organizational practices and policies.

This proposed Special Issue aims to advance knowledge about the prevention and coping processes at micro, meso, and macro levels to explore the antecedents and the process from multi-disciplinary and multi-methodological perspectives. We aim to explore conceptualizations, provide innovative empirical perspectives, and advance methodological approaches that can enrich the understanding of these dimensions that account to promote workers’ wellbeing and healthy work relationships and workplaces.

Dr. Paula C. Neves
Dr. Claudia Andrade
Dr. Rui Paixao
Dr. Marisa Matias
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Administrative Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • wellbeing at work 
  • healthy work relationships 
  • healthy workplaces

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Article
For Telework, Please Dial 7—Qualitative Study on the Impacts of Telework on the Well-Being of Contact Center Employees during the COVID19 Pandemic in Portugal
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13090207 - 18 Sep 2023
Viewed by 365
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made teleworking a widespread form of work for contact center workers in Portugal, who are already used to work processes supported by technological platforms and digital workflows, but with little adherence to remote work. Deepening knowledge about the impact [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made teleworking a widespread form of work for contact center workers in Portugal, who are already used to work processes supported by technological platforms and digital workflows, but with little adherence to remote work. Deepening knowledge about the impact of teleworking on well-being at work is a relevant issue in the context of organizational literature. We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with contact center workers who work in a large Portuguese company that provides fixed and mobile communication services, as well as customer service platforms. The interviews took place in April and May 2022. All participants had already carried out their functions in person and telework, and they were able to assess how telework added or took away their well-being at work. With the application of thematic analysis, seven themes (the basis for the title “For Telework, Please Dial 7”) emerged that characterize teleworking as being capable of reinforcing well-being at work: performance, relationship, money, workplace, technology, time, and family. These results contribute to the reinforcement of the growing literature on what contributes to increasing well-being at work, and alert leadership and organizational management are needed to properly configure telework to generate a positive dynamic that fulfils employees’ expectations and reinforces the organization’s sustainability. Full article
Article
Fostering Organizational Empowerment: Impact of an Intervention Program on Stress Management and Physical Activity Motivation among Teachers in Portugal and Brazil
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13090203 - 14 Sep 2023
Viewed by 229
Abstract
Teaching is one of the hardest occupations according to the International Organization of Teachers (IOT), affecting teachers’ emotional and physical well-being and impacting their professional performance. Intervention programs addressing this issue usually result in a significant reduction in stress and an improvement in [...] Read more.
Teaching is one of the hardest occupations according to the International Organization of Teachers (IOT), affecting teachers’ emotional and physical well-being and impacting their professional performance. Intervention programs addressing this issue usually result in a significant reduction in stress and an improvement in teachers’ entire quality of life. Physical activity has been recognized as a critical aspect of non-pharmaceutical stress-reduction measures, favorably improving mental health. This quasi-experimental study used pre- and post-intervention assessments to assess the impact of a physical exercise promotion program on stress levels and motivation for regular physical activity among teachers in the first six years of schooling in Portugal and Brazil. This study included 33 instructors from both countries’ educational institutions in an 8-week intervention that included 40 sessions of cardiorespiratory conditioning, muscle strengthening and stretching, relaxation, and meditation techniques. The Stress Perception Scale (EPS-10) and the Motivation Inventory for Regular Physical Activity Practice (IMPRAF-54) were used to assess participants. The findings show a strong link between years of teaching experience and stress levels. After the intervention, there were statistically significant changes in stress levels and motivation to engage in physical exercise. Specifically, 78.9% of teachers reported less stress, and the respondents felt more motivated to exercise for stress control (84.4%), for competitiveness (97%), and for aesthetic enhancement (57.6%). In summary, this study suggests that exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and increase enthusiasm for physical activity, with Portuguese teachers outperforming their Brazilian counterparts. Full article
Article
Exploring the Impact of Leadership Styles, Ethical Behavior, and Organizational Identification on Workers' Well-Being
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13060149 - 05 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1533
Abstract
This paper aims to assess workers’ well-being through a survey of Italian firms by exploring the factors of leadership styles, ethical behavior, and organizational identification. In recent years, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technological progress, workers’ well-being has increasingly become a [...] Read more.
This paper aims to assess workers’ well-being through a survey of Italian firms by exploring the factors of leadership styles, ethical behavior, and organizational identification. In recent years, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic and technological progress, workers’ well-being has increasingly become a fundamental driver for company strategy and governance. Workers are increasingly interested in their well-being and work–life balance rather than just their level of remuneration or position at work. The company’s ability to strategically retain capable collaborators is, therefore, fundamental, especially in light of the recent increase in resignations. Based on a sample of workers in Italian firms during the post-COVID-19 period (the year 2022), this paper evaluates whether leadership styles, ethical behavior, and organizational identification are related to workers’ well-being beyond the workplace. The empirical model allows for a clear and effective evaluation of several characteristics, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the data that support management’s strategic decisions regarding worker well-being policies. Full article
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Article
Effect of the Employees’ Mental Toughness on Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction: Mediating Psychological Well-Being
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13050133 - 15 May 2023
Viewed by 1836
Abstract
This study aims to examine the impact of mental toughness of employees on their psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. A research model based on structural equation modeling ‘ developed, and a survey was conducted with 534 office workers in Korean companies [...] Read more.
This study aims to examine the impact of mental toughness of employees on their psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. A research model based on structural equation modeling ‘ developed, and a survey was conducted with 534 office workers in Korean companies to gather the data. The findings indicate that mental toughness has a significant effect on psychological well-being and positively (+) affects organizational commitment and job satisfaction through psychological well-being. The study also reveals that mental toughness has a greater influence on organizational commitment than on job satisfaction. However, the positive effect of job satisfaction was found to increase when psychological well-being was mediated. Consequently, this study recommends that employees’ mental toughness be managed effectively to improve their job satisfaction and organizational commitment, leading to enhanced job competency, and reduced turnover intention. These findings are of practical significance to organizational practitioners, as they underscore the importance of fostering mental toughness among employees to promote their well-being and commitment to their work. Full article
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Article
Psychological Contracts and Organizational Commitment: The Positive Impact of Relational Contracts on Call Center Operators
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13040112 - 13 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1837
Abstract
With the increasing complexity and dynamism of the modern work experience, the importance of the psychological contract has become increasingly clear. Organizations and researchers alike have recognized the implications of this contract for employee performance, satisfaction and well-being. However, certain work contexts can [...] Read more.
With the increasing complexity and dynamism of the modern work experience, the importance of the psychological contract has become increasingly clear. Organizations and researchers alike have recognized the implications of this contract for employee performance, satisfaction and well-being. However, certain work contexts can increase psychosocial risks, making it crucial to investigate the individual and contextual characteristics that can promote well-being and mitigate risks. In this study, we examined the impact of psychological contract types and task repetitiveness on organizational commitment among call center employees. By conducting a cross-sectional study involving 201 call center employees working in-person and administering an ad hoc questionnaire, we aimed to enrich the scientific literature on the psychological contract and its implications for the call center work environment. Our findings revealed that a transactional psychological contract has a negative impact on affective and normative commitment, potentially undermining employees’ sense of obligation and responsibility towards these organizations. To promote healthy work relationships and well-being among call center employees, we suggest the importance of a relational psychological contract. By highlighting the role of psychological contract types in organizational commitment, our study offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners. Full article
Article
Conflict (Work-Family and Family-Work) and Task Performance: The Role of Well-Being in This Relationship
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13040094 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1947
Abstract
Recent societal changes have brought new challenges to contemporary organisations, e.g., how to properly manage the work-family/family-work dyad and, thus, promote adequate task performance. This paper aimed to study the relationship between conflict (work-family and family-work) and task performance, and whether this relationship [...] Read more.
Recent societal changes have brought new challenges to contemporary organisations, e.g., how to properly manage the work-family/family-work dyad and, thus, promote adequate task performance. This paper aimed to study the relationship between conflict (work-family and family-work) and task performance, and whether this relationship was moderated by well-being. Thus, the following hypotheses were formulated: (1) conflict (work-family and family-work) is negatively associated with task performance; (2) conflict (work-family and family-work) is negatively associated with well-being; (3) well-being is positively associated with task performance; and (4) well-being moderates the relationship between conflict (work-family and family-work) and task performance. A total of 596 subjects participated in this study, all employed in Portuguese organisations. The results underlined that only family-work conflict was negatively and significantly associated with task performance. Work-family conflict established a negative and significant relationship with well-being. Well-being was positively and significantly associated with performance and moderated the relationship between conflict (work-family and family-work) and task performance. These results show that organisations should provide employees with situations that promote their well-being, especially in Portugal, where a relationship culture exists (rather than task culture, which is predominant in the USA and Canada, for example) which means that additional and considerable time must be dedicated to personal and family matters for people to fit in and be accepted harmoniously. Full article
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Article
The Impact of Burnout on Police Officers’ Performance and Turnover Intention: The Moderating Role of Compassion Satisfaction
Adm. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci12030092 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2931
Abstract
Burnout should be seen as an important phenomenon influencing the services provided by police forces, due to its high exposure to stressful events. The study sought to examine the impact of burnout on performance and turnover intention of Portuguese police forces, as well [...] Read more.
Burnout should be seen as an important phenomenon influencing the services provided by police forces, due to its high exposure to stressful events. The study sought to examine the impact of burnout on performance and turnover intention of Portuguese police forces, as well as to analyze the moderating effect of compassion satisfaction (CS) on this relationship. Data were collected in 2021 from 1.682 Portuguese police officers, using individual surveys. The results showed that (1) burnout is negatively related to performance; (2) burnout is positively related to turnover intention; (3) CS, although it has a positive effect on performance, does not assume a moderating role, as expected, in the relationship between burnout and performance; (4) CS assumes a moderating role in the relationship between burnout and turnover intention. That is, when a person who still suffers from burnout feels CS, it decreases the intention to leave the organization. The implications and the bearings of this study are discussed and presented regarding the theoretical, empirical and practical perspectives in order to better support both the comprehension of burnout in police officers and offer the best practical recommendations. Full article
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Article
Prevalence and Consequences of Verbal Aggression among Bank Workers: A Survey into an Italian Banking Institution
Adm. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci12030078 - 08 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1588
Abstract
Robberies and other violent acts by strangers and intruders are common in banks, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in employees. However, the literature indicates that more subtle and less measurable forms of violence, such as psychological violence, can also cause discomfort [...] Read more.
Robberies and other violent acts by strangers and intruders are common in banks, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in employees. However, the literature indicates that more subtle and less measurable forms of violence, such as psychological violence, can also cause discomfort among employees. The aim of the present work is to investigate the prevalence of verbal aggression and its consequences among 311 Italian bank employees. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 197 employees. The results showed a high prevalence of verbal aggression in the sample. It is important to investigate and find the causes and effects of verbal aggression in order to understand the phenomenon in this workplace. Cases of verbal aggression need to be prevented and responded to appropriately. In addition, it should be noted that the effects of verbal aggression do not only affect the victim, but also the workplace, as productivity decreases, and the feeling of a safe environment is missing. Full article
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