Professional well-being pathways: examining how social structures and workplace fulfillment influence stress-related outcomes among healthcare practitioners

Abstract

Background: Healthcare practitioners regularly encounter elevated levels of workplace demands and challenging personal circumstances that can profoundly impact their overall well-being, measured by the EQ-5D Index (0–1). This investigation employed a cross-sectional survey (N = 624) and semi-structured interviews (n = 20) in 2024 across six healthcare institutions in Dali, China, using PLS-SEM to test sequential mediation pathways. Methodology: We examined the sequential mediation model: ‘occupational/life stressors → social resources → professional engagement → well-being’. Data collection used validated instruments measuring workplace stressors (ERI), challenging life circumstances, professional networks (SCQ), work engagement (MSQ), and well-being indicators (EQ-5D-5 L). Findings: Occupational demands negatively correlated with well-being (β = -0.339, p < 0.001) and professional social networks (β = -0.375, p < 0.001). Challenging personal circumstances showed negative associations with wellness indicators (β = -0.567, p < 0.001) and professional connections (β = -0.500, p < 0.001). Workplace social resources positively influenced professional engagement (β = 0.753, p < 0.001), which subsequently enhanced well-being (β = 0.227, p < 0.001). Sequential mediation pathways were significant: occupational demands → workplace networks → professional engagement → well-being (β = -0.064, 95% CI [-0.094, -0.038]) and challenging circumstances → workplace networks → professional engagement → well-being (β = -0.085, 95% CI [-0.121, -0.052]). Implications: Workplace social connections and professional fulfillment may be associated with improved well-being among healthcare practitioners. Interventions focusing on workplace community development and professional engagement could potentially buffer against stressor effects, contributing to enhanced practitioner wellness and service quality.