Exploring Trends in Employee Well-Being Research: Insights from the KCI Database

This study explores trends in employee well-being research through a systematic bibliometric analysis using data from the Korean Citation Index (KCI) database. A keyword-based search covering the period 2022–2024 was conducted, and bibliometric techniques, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and trend mapping were applied to examine research patterns. The findings indicate that burnout, job satisfaction, and work-life balance are the most frequently studied topics, with increasing attention given to psychological well-being, job engagement, and organizational support. Additionally, the dominance of survey-based methodologies highlights the need for more qualitative, experimental, and longitudinal studies to provide deeper insights into workplace well-being. The study emphasizes the shifting priorities in well-being research and the necessity for broader methodological approaches and cross-sectoral analyses. Practically, the findings suggest that organizations should incorporate self-efficacy training and digital mental health tools into workplace interventions, while theoretically, the study contributes to expanding well-being research by advocating for methodological diversity and cross-industry perspectives. Addressing these gaps will enhance the development of more effective and inclusive well-being strategies across diverse work environments.