Advancing the role of temporal experience in relation to workplace thriving

Purpose This conceptual paper aims to explore organisational operating rhythms with a view to establishing a broader understanding of how they might be experienced in relation to wellbeing or thriving at both the organisational and individual levels. A model of operating rhythms is proposed, which integrates systems theory concepts alongside a new conception of individual and contextual enablers of thriving. Design/methodology/approach A literature review is conducted on temporal workplace processes with the addition of wellbeing and thriving related terminology. This review was then used to synthesise perspectives from organisational analysis and positive organisational scholarship, providing new conceptual frameworks for understanding organisational temporal experiences in relation to thriving. Findings Identifying limited prior research on temporal rhythms in organisations and the relationship to thriving and wellbeing, a conceptual link between these variables is developed to encourage and support further research in this area. This proposed model includes systems theory perspectives and suggests that workplace rhythms shape the flow of information, feedback, learning and interpersonal interaction, influencing the conditions that support thriving. Implications of this conceptualisation of organisational temporal experience provide potential approaches for use within organisational contexts. Originality/value Two novel contributions are introduced. Firstly, a two-axis model that maps organisational rhythms along a continuum from strategic to operational (Y-axis) and intentional to emergent (X-axis). Secondly, the concept of a zone of interaction, where personal and contextual enablers of thriving intersect, is proposed as a lens to understand complex variables that, including operating rhythms, influence lived workplace experience at micro and macro levels.