2303 | Measuring Workplace Wellbeing

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and George Ward

We propose a simple definition of workplace wellbeing that is grounded in the maturing science of subjective wellbeing. We argue that workplace wellbeing is how we feel at work and about our work. In this subjective approach, workplace wellbeing encompasses three main dimensions: i) evaluative job satisfaction, ii) the affective or emotional experience of work, as well as iii) how meaningful and purposeful work activities are. We briefly review the extensive literature on the validity and reliability of subjective wellbeing measures, and offer general principles as well as a prototype module of four survey questions for measuring workplace subjective wellbeing (WSWB). Finally, we discuss future directions for research and practice on wellbeing at work.