Art-of-living at work: interventions to reduce stress and increase well-being

Abstract

PurposeDue to the increasing burden of stress in the workplace, it is necessary to develop interventions to prevent long-term overload. The present study is based on the concept of art-of-living, which promotes a more reflective and conscious approach to life. In study 1, an online training designed to increase well-being was administered. Study 2 investigated the impact of an art-of-living training in a workplace environment.Design/methodology/approachStudy 1 employed a two-factorial design, crossing time of testing (pre-test, post-test and follow-up-test) with group (three experimental groups; one control group); 67 participants received art-of-living training on their individual weaknesses and/or strengths or alternative control training. Study 2 used repeated measures and a waiting-list control group; 20 employees of a pharmaceutical company took part in the two-day intervention with a two-week learning phase in between.FindingsThe results of Study 1 indicated that even brief online art-of-living interventions can be effective. Significant differences between pre-, post- and follow-up-tests were observed in art-of-living and well-being scores among participants who had undergone training in art-of-living components identified as representing their strengths or a combination of their strengths and their weaknesses. The results of Study 2 also indicated positive outcomes in the experimental group, with significant increases between pre- and post-test in art-of-living, flourishing, positive affect and occupational self-efficacy, and significant decreases in negative affect.Originality/valueThe results demonstrate that art-of-living training can be used to increase art-of-living, well-being and occupational self-efficacy. Therefore, this type of intervention should attract further attention in future studies especially in the context of the workplace.

How and when psychological capital enhances well-being at work: evidence from the Tunisian healthcare professionals

“…However, Avey et al. (2010, p. 18) lament that “theoretical mechanisms of the positive antecedents to well-being have given little attention.” In line with this, Schwarz et al. (2023) further emphasize the insufficiency of solely focusing on symptoms of problems in the pursuit of well-being.…”

“…Workplace well-being has become an important research focus, particularly given its impact on overall life satisfaction due to the substantial amount of time adults spend at work (Schwarz et al. , 2023), Moreover, research has shown a direct link between employee well-being and performance at work (Aubouin-Bonnaventure et al.…”

“…Workplace well-being has become an important research focus, particularly given its impact on overall life satisfaction due to the substantial amount of time adults spend at work (Schwarz et al, 2023), Moreover, research has shown a direct link between employee wellbeing and performance at work (Aubouin-Bonnaventure et al, 2023). In this context, prioritizing employee well-being not only helps retain talented individuals but also fosters the attraction of top-tier talent within the industry, owing to developing a strong employer brand (Zwetsloot et al, 2010).…”