Examining the effects of workplace well-being and high-performance work systems on health harm: a Sustainable HRM perspective

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an empirical investigation into the mediating role of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on health harm (HH). The study also examines the negative moderated role of workplace well-being (WW) and its indirect effect on work intensification (WI) and HH. The paper highlights the implications of the HH on individuals, organizations, families and societies and recognizes the need for sustainable human resource management (HRM) practices that drive employee well-being, thereby reducing the HH. More importantly, the study extends the understanding of sustainable goals through sustainable HRM.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected using four established scales. The data collected from 324 executives were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 Version and AMOS 21.0.

Findings

The study results confirmed that WW practices reduce the adverse effects arising out of HPWS and WI. The results proved that WI is positively related to HH, and that WW moderates the relationship between HPWS and HH such that HPWS is more positively associated with HH when the WW is low compared to when WW is high.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from executives working in Information Technology (IT) organizations in India. The findings and the implications may not be generalized to other industries, as the data is collected from IT professionals.

Practical implications

The study highlights the need for organizations to develop sustainable HRM practices to minimize the HH of work. Organizations should implement well-being interventions and develop activities that promote an individual’s mental and physical well-being alongside limiting work intensity.

Originality/value

HRM Literature reveals the positive effect of HPWS that it engages employees to achieve a competitive advantage to the firm. However, this study examines and empirically proves the negative impact of HPWS on employee health and well-being.