Exploring thriving at work: a systematic literature review and future research directions

This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive examination of thriving at work, a construct characterized by its dual dimensions of vitality and learning, which signify employees’ psychological well-being and capacity for growth. Synthesizing research from the past 15 years, it identifies individual-level antecedents like emotional intelligence, job crafting, and resilience, while organizational factors such as leadership style, support systems, and work environments also play critical roles. The review demonstrates that thriving enhances individual outcomes, such as job performance, well-being, and innovation, while bolstering organizational effectiveness through adaptability and team cohesion. Drawing on theoretical frameworks like the socially embedded model of thriving, self-determination theory, this study proposes a robust framework for understanding thriving at work. It identifies critical research gaps, such as the need for cross-cultural and longitudinal studies, as well as investigations into digital work settings, offering actionable insights for fostering thriving through inclusive leadership and supportive organizational practices.