High-performance work systems in job demands-resources theory: Implications for employee burnout and quality of life

Building on recent developments in job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, we investigate how high-performance work systems (HPWS) are related to both the motivational and health impairment processes. Concretely, we examine the relationship between HPWS and employees’ burnout and quality of life (QoL) through its link with challenge and hindrance job demands. To do so, 417 hospitality and tourism employees (i.e. hotels, restaurants, and car rental offices) were surveyed, and their responses were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results showed that HPWS were negatively associated with employee burnout, both directly and indirectly, through the reduction of challenge and hindrance job demands. In addition, the results showed that there is a positive relationship between HPWS and employee QoL. A negative association between burnout and QoL was observed, but the expected relationship between challenge job demands and QoL was not empirically confirmed. We discuss how these findings contribute to JD-R theory and practice. • High-performance work systems are negatively associated with employees’ burnout. • High-performance work systems are positively related to employees’ quality of life. • Burnout and quality of life are negatively associated.