Understanding Strategies to Enhance Employees’ Well-being in the Workplaces in Iranian Public Organizations: Qualitative Study

The present qualitative research was conducted to analyze strategies, programs, and actions to improve employees’ well-being in their workplaces from the perspective of employees working in Iranian public organizations.

Based on the qualitative content analysis method, the current study analyzes the data collected from 14 public organizations in a period from the beginning of the Iranian calendar year of 1399 to the end of 1400 (March 2020- March 2021). Although semi-structured interviews (n = 115) were the primary source of data collection, researchers' observations, existing studies, and internal and external organizational reports had also a noticeable effect on developing and improving the themes.

The findings of the study showed "employee well-being in light of people interactions in the organization"; "employee well-being in light of organizational environment"; "employee well-being in light of organizational structure"; "employee well-being in light of organizational technology"; "employee well-being in light of organizational systems "and "employee well-being in light of organizational culture” were drawn as the six themes (main strategies). Moreover, 13 main categories and 63 sub-categories were obtained as programs and actions of the public organizations to promote workplace well-being from the perspective of employees in the public organizations.

Various individual, organizational, and environmental factors lead to the formation of well-being in the workplaces. Positive relationships and support from managers and co-workers are necessary at the individual level. At the organizational level, good social and physical structure, the use of advanced and safe technology, equitable compensation, efficient human resource systems, and a culture of values, norms, and symbols that facilitate well-being in the workplace is needed. Also, creating a friendly work environment, and the positive social prestige of the organization in society are various environmental programs that can lead to an exciting and motivating work environment that promotes well-being at the workplace.