For a long time, research on working life has primarily focused on the risks and challenges faced by employees and organisations. This has provided important knowledge about problems and the causes of work-related ill-health. However, this focus has offered less guidance on how to foster employees’ well-being, strengthen their capabilities and productivity, and create conditions for their development in working life.
This systematic literature review is based on a positive work and organisational psychology perspective. It provides an overview of Nordic research on three central positive work-related attitudes: job satisfaction, organisational commitment and work engagement. These attitudes reflect both the experience of positive emotions and a positive approach to work, which are vital for a sustainable and healthy working life. The review highlights which factors reinforce these attitudes and what consequences they have for both employees and organisations.
“We must not underestimate the importance of addressing the root causes of work-related stress, such as high workload and time pressure, at an organisational level. Equally important is to highlight and strengthen the positive aspects of work, as they can help to balance out the negative effects and enhance employees’ job satisfaction, organisational commitment and work engagement.” These three work-related attitudes, which are the focus of this systematic literature review, play a central role in promoting a sustainable and healthy working life. “The findings from this systematic literature review provide research-based knowledge that can be used in organisational initiatives,” says Marta Sousa-Ribeiro Larsson.
Identified Resources That Promote Positive Attitudes
The systematic literature review identified several organisational, social, task-related and personal resources that strengthen the three positive work-related attitudes—job satisfaction, organisational commitment and work engagement:
- Organisational resources: supportive leadership, transparent routines, and opportunities for professional development.
- Social resources: communication, collaboration and social support.
- Task-related resources: variation in tasks, autonomy, control at work, and role clarity.
- Personal resources: health, personality traits and proactive behaviours, such as job crafting, i.e. employees shaping and developing their own work.
Positive Consequences for Individuals and Organisations
At the individual level, the findings show that positive work-related attitudes are associated with: better physical and mental health, reduced risk of ill-health related early retirement, lower levels of burnout, and improved work-life balance and enrichment.
On an organisational level, positive attitudes are linked to higher work quality, increased productivity, salary development, and a greater desire to remain with the organisation. Employees who are engaged in their work, enjoy their job and feel committed to their organisation are also more likely to adapt and develop their work (job crafting), while they face a reduced risk of unemployment.
Positive Spirals Between Work and Well-being
The review also shows that engagement at work benefits not only the workplace, but also strengthens well-being outside of work. When employees feel energised and happily absorbed in their work, this spills over into their personal lives, which in turn can boost their engagement at work. These mutually reinforcing connections—so-called positive spirals—contribute to creating a long-term sustainable working life.
Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Needs
To understand how positive work-related attitudes evolve and are maintained over time, more longitudinal studies are needed—especially in light of the pandemic’s effects on work practices, remote working and hybrid work environments. Additionally, the review shows that few existing intervention studies meet sufficient scientific quality standards. More randomised and controlled studies are needed—particularly those focusing on organisation-level measures.
Equality and Diversity Require Greater Focus
Finally, the review emphasises the importance of considering demographic differences. For example, several studies show mixed results related to gender, underlining the need for more refined investigations into gender differences in how various working conditions influence positive work-related attitudes. Factors such as age and socio-economic conditions also warrant greater attention in future research.
Read the systematic literature review here