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Does job design make workers happy?

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  • Petri Böckerman
  • Alex Bryson
  • Antti Kauhanen
  • Mari Kangasniemi

Abstract

Using linked employer‐employee data for Finland we examine associations between job design, employee well‐being and job‐related stress. Three key findings stand out. First, in accordance with the theory of Karasek and Karasek and Theorell, job control and supervisory support are positively correlated with employee well‐being and negatively correlated with job‐related stress. Second, as predicted by theory, job demands are positively correlated with job‐related stress. Third, there is no association between job demands and employee well‐being and, contrary to expectations, neither job control nor supervisory support alleviate the negative relationship between job demands and job‐related stress. Our results confirm the importance of job design for employee well‐being.

Suggested Citation

  • Petri Böckerman & Alex Bryson & Antti Kauhanen & Mari Kangasniemi, 2020. "Does job design make workers happy?," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 67(1), pages 31-52, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scotjp:v:67:y:2020:i:1:p:31-52
    DOI: 10.1111/sjpe.12211
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nuria Ceular-Villamandos & Virginia Navajas-Romero & Lorena Caridad y Lopez Rio & Maria Jesus Vazquez-Garcia, 2024. "The determinants of mental well-being of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Mehrzad B. Baktash & John S. Heywood & Uwe Jirjahn, 2022. "Performance pay and alcohol use in Germany," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(4), pages 353-383, October.
    3. Koch, Michael & Lodefalk, Magnus, 2024. "Artificial Intelligence and Worker Stress: Evidence from Germany," Ratio Working Papers 377, The Ratio Institute.
    4. Petri, Böckerman & Pekka, Ilmakunnas, 2020. "Työhyvinvointi kannattaa. Työolot, työtyytyväisyys ja tuottavuus [Working conditions, job satisfaction and productivity]," MPRA Paper 103484, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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