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Does Job Support Make Workers Happy?

Author

Listed:
  • Böckerman, Petri

    (University of Jyväskylä)

  • Bryson, Alex

    (University College London)

  • Kauhanen, Antti

    (ETLA - The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy)

  • Kangasniemi, Mari

    (Labour Institute for Economic Research)

Abstract

Using linked employer-employee data for Finland we examine associations between job design and ten measures of worker wellbeing. In accordance with Karasek's (1979) model we find positive correlations between many aspects of worker wellbeing and job control. However, contrary to the model, job demands have no adverse effects on worker wellbeing. We find a strong positive correlation between job support and all aspects of worker wellbeing that is independent of job controls and job demands, a finding that has not been emphasized in the literature. The effects are most pronounced in relation to supervisor support. We also find evidence of unemployment scarring effects: substantial experience of unemployment has long-term consequences for the wellbeing workers experience in their current jobs, even controlling for the quality of those jobs.

Suggested Citation

  • Böckerman, Petri & Bryson, Alex & Kauhanen, Antti & Kangasniemi, Mari, 2017. "Does Job Support Make Workers Happy?," IZA Discussion Papers 10486, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp10486
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Clark, Andrew E. & Lepinteur, Anthony, 2019. "The causes and consequences of early-adult unemployment: Evidence from cohort data," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 107-124.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    unemployment; HRM; worker wellbeing; job control; job demands; job support; job design; supervisors; job satisfaction; stress; scarring effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J8 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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