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Companies Could Benefit When They Focus on Employee Wellbeing and the Environment: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Human Resource Management

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Listed:
  • Sergio Manuel Madero-Gómez

    (Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Business, Av. Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico)

  • Yanira Lizeth Rubio Leal

    (EGADE Business School, San Pedro Garza García 66269, NL, Mexico)

  • Miguel Olivas-Luján

    (Management & Marketing, Pennsylvania Western University Clarion, 840 Wood St, Clarion, PA 16214, USA)

  • Mohd Yusoff Yusliza

    (Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia)

Abstract

Purpose: We reviewed the scholarly literature that examines the role of sustainable practices for employee health and the environment. The study also examined the negative impact of the workplace on the wellbeing of employees and its indirect effect on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach: This was a literature review with data from the Scopus scholarly database. We found 65 results from 2008 to 2022. After eliminating duplicates and other search fields, we were left with 30 final documents. Findings: The study provided evidence that sustainable practices in the workplace increase the wellbeing of employees and reduce pollution in the environment, while also benefiting company viability. Research limitations/implications: Using other database sources besides Scopus and Web of Science could yield additional results. Practical implications: The study highlighted the need for organizations to develop sustainable HRM practices to minimize the negative effects on employee wellbeing and capitalize on the savings that are generated through sustainable initiatives. This finding could contribute to better corporate practices and the further development of research in this field. Originality/value: The HRM literature revealed the importance of having employee wellbeing practices which increase work productivity and engagement. This also empirically proved the positive impact of companies that implement sustainable HRM practices. This research provided a theoretical model that depicts the interrelation between corporate viability, employee wellbeing, and sustainable human resource management.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergio Manuel Madero-Gómez & Yanira Lizeth Rubio Leal & Miguel Olivas-Luján & Mohd Yusoff Yusliza, 2023. "Companies Could Benefit When They Focus on Employee Wellbeing and the Environment: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Human Resource Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:6:p:5435-:d:1101734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Larry Dwyer, 2025. "Tourism Development in a Wellbeing Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Jialing Miao & Hao Hu & Fang Wang & Baoguo Xie, 2023. "Positive Affectivity as a Motivator: How Does It Influence Employees’ Sustainable Careers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Noor Jannah Afi & Farhana Akter & Linn Shelly Maw & Nusayhah Bibi Peerbuccas & Yasmine Chnayti, 2025. "HR-CSR Alignment for well-being, Ethical AI in Future Work: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(7), pages 3893-3913, July.
    4. Elisabeth Nöhammer & Michaela Drexel, 2024. "The Potentials of Digital Workplace Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-23, July.
    5. Jerzy Michnik, 2025. "Algebraic Modeling of Social Systems Evolution: Application to Sustainable Development Strategy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-25, September.
    6. Ayşe Bostan & Yavuz Selim Balcıoğlu & Meral Elçi, 2024. "Latent Class Analysis of Environmental Behavior and Psychological Well-Being: Insights into Sustainable Well-Being Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-25, November.
    7. Nektarios Karanikas & Laura Patricia Martinez-Buelvas & Adem Sav, 2023. "Supporting Sustainable Futures in Retail: An Exploratory Study on Worker Health, Safety and Wellbeing in Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-20, November.
    8. Salem Al-Oun & Ziad (Mohammed Fa’eq) Al-Khasawneh, 2025. "Sustainable Human Resource Management and Career Quality in Public Utilities: Evidence from Jordan’s Electricity Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-35, May.
    9. Francesco Ceresia, 2025. "The Contribution of Sustainable Human Resource Management to International Trade Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-33, August.

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