AI and work design: A positive psychology approach to employee well-being

Abstract In this conceptual contribution to the journal “Group. Interaction. Organization.” (GIO) the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into work processes and its impact on employee psychological well-being is examined, particularly focusing on the dimensions of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment as proposed by the PERMA model. Since integrating AI into work processes significantly influences work dynamics, structures and job roles, comprehensive, human-centered work design frameworks are necessary. Existing frameworks to AI integration often prioritize extrinsic factors like productivity and ease of use, overlooking intrinsic factors such as engagement, meaning and emotional support, which are crucial for promoting psychological well-being in dynamic workplace environments. Furthermore, the dual potential of AI to either enhance or undermine psychological well-being underlines the importance of balancing AI’s technical advantages with its psychological implications. To address these issues, a narrative literature review was conducted, synthesizing interdisciplinary studies on the integration of AI into work processes. This review specifically explores the implications of AI on employee psychological well-being through the lens of the PERMA model, providing an extension of the work design framework and insights for designing AI systems that are not only functional but also support a human-centered and positive workplace environment.