Promoting well-being in the workplace: the Impact of empathy, prosocial behaviors, and prospective thoughts in the positive psychology framework

In today's work environment, prioritizing employee well-being is essential. This thesis explores the role of empathy, prosocial behaviors, and prospective thoughts in enhancing workplace well-being, contributing to the field of positive psychology. By integrating these elements, the research highlights their contributions to positive psychological frameworks like the broaden-and-build theory, individual concepts such as Psychological Capital and character strengths, and positive relationships at the group level. This thesis spans three studies, investigating cognitive, affective, behavioral, and social antecedents of well-being. The first study examines empathy in the workplace, exploring both trait and state levels, as well as its affective and cognitive components, and their impacts on well-being and supportive behaviors. The second study focuses on the effects of observing prosocial behaviors on an observer's well-being and job satisfaction, considering social connectedness and helping pressure as moderators. The third study investigates the impact of positive and negative, as well as social and task-related prospective thoughts during leisure time on employee well-being and work engagement, considering the moderating effect of work centrality. By integrating these constructs, this thesis aims to provide a holistic understanding of the factors that contribute to a supportive and healthy work environment. This dissertation highlights the importance of positive psychological frameworks in fostering employee well-being and organizational health while also providing a nuanced perspective.

Thèse IPTO, no 3136
Prof. Laurenz Meier, directeur de thèse, UniNE
Prof. Maike Debus, UniNE
Prof. Marina Fiori, HEFP, Suisse