How Does High Performance Work System Increase Employees’ Well-Being -The Sequential Mediating Roles of Job Characteristics and Work Meaning

In the current era of competitive business environments, understanding the influence of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on employee well-being has become a critical research focus. This study, grounded in self-determination theory, aimed to investigate the link between HPWS and employee well-being within a Chinese context, with a particular emphasis on job characteristics. The research utilized a three-wave design, gathering 362 data sets from employees across five companies, to ensure a robust and varied sample. The methodology encompassed a comprehensive approach, including surveys and in-depth analysis, to explore the nuances of the relationship between HPWS and employee well-being. The study's findings underscored the positive impact of HPWS on employee well-being, revealing that job characteristics and the sense of meaningful work serve as pivotal mediators in this relationship. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse by providing empirical evidence of the mediating roles of job characteristics and meaningful work but also offers actionable insights for organizations seeking to enhance employee well-being through the strategic implementation of HPWS. The study's conclusions highlight the importance of aligning work systems with intrinsic motivational factors, as posited by self-determination theory, and set the stage for future research to further explore the complexities of employee well-being in diverse cultural and organizational settings.