The Role of Resources and Flow at Work in Well-Being

Abstract

This study examined flow at work, an optimal experience for individuals and organizations generating motivation and well-being. Relationships between job resources, flow at work, and personal resources were investigated, and their association with positive/negative emotions at work was also investigated. In all, 520 Italian nurses completed a questionnaire which measured supervisors’ support, job autonomy (job resources), job competencies, self-efficacy at work (personal resources), flow at work, and positive and negative emotions at work. Data analysis performed using a structural equations model showed that job resources were positively associated with flow at work, which was positively associated with personal resources. Moreover, job resources were positively associated with personal resources through flow at work, and job resources and flow at work were positively associated with positive emotions. The relationship between these variables and well-being/discomfort highlights the importance of promoting flow at work, supporting job resources that nurture positive experiences at work.