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Positive Mental Health and Happiness at Work in a Sample of Portuguese Workers: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

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  • Olga Valentim

    (RISE-Health, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    Nursing School of Lisbon (ESEL), Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1600-096 Lisboa, Portugal
    Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1600-096 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Luís de Sousa

    (Atlântica High Health School, Fábrica da Pólvora, 2730-036 Barcarena, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal)

  • Cristina de Sousa

    (Atlântica High Health School, Fábrica da Pólvora, 2730-036 Barcarena, Portugal
    Center for Research in Education and Psychology (CIEP-UE), University of Évora, 7005-345 Évora, Portugal
    Atlantic University Institute, 2730-036 Barcarena, Portugal)

  • Tânia Correia

    (RISE-Health, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    Health School of Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3500-843 Viseu, Portugal)

  • José Carlos Carvalho

    (RISE-Health, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    Nursing School of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 830, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal)

  • Ana Querido

    (RISE-Health, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
    Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André—66–68, Campus 5, Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal)

  • Helena José

    (Atlântica High Health School, Fábrica da Pólvora, 2730-036 Barcarena, Portugal
    The Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing, Coimbra Nursing School, 3045-043 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Carlos Laranjeira

    (Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801 Évora, Portugal
    School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
    Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André—66–68, Campus 5, Polytechnic University of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal)

Abstract

Positive mental health in individuals’ lives and happiness at work have been growing concerns for organizations. This web-based cross-sectional study aimed to understand these two factors and their interrelationship in a population of workers. Data were collected with an e-questionnaire from 1768 individuals currently employed in various public and private organizations. The variables studied included: social and occupational data, happiness at work, and positive mental health. Study participants showed good levels of positive mental health and happiness at work. Positive mental health was positively associated with both organizational happiness domains and function and with perceived productivity ( p < 0.001). Using a multiple linear regression model, we found four predictors of overall happiness at work: age, perception of productivity, seniority, and positive mental health factors (personal satisfaction, autonomy and problem-solving and self-actualization) (R 2 = 0.249). Organizations wishing to make employees happier and more productive should promote mental health in the workplace. Interventions that focus on the adoption of positive coping techniques in the workplace, such as training focused on increasing intrapreneurial self-capital, should also be explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Valentim & Luís de Sousa & Cristina de Sousa & Tânia Correia & José Carlos Carvalho & Ana Querido & Helena José & Carlos Laranjeira, 2025. "Positive Mental Health and Happiness at Work in a Sample of Portuguese Workers: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:44-:d:1583695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bubonya, Melisa & Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Wooden, Mark, 2017. "Mental health and productivity at work: Does what you do matter?," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 150-165.
    2. Claire Oliveira & Makeila Saka & Lauren Bone & Rowena Jacobs, 2023. "The Role of Mental Health on Workplace Productivity: A Critical Review of the Literature," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 167-193, March.
    3. Xifeng Lu & Haijing Yu & Biaoan Shan, 2022. "Relationship between Employee Mental Health and Job Performance: Mediation Role of Innovative Behavior and Work Engagement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-12, May.
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