Understanding work well-being: A systematic review and future research agenda on multilevel influences
Abstract
Work well-being has become an important topic in organizational research, as it is beneficial to employee performance and job satisfaction. Although studies on work well-being have increased recently, existing literature remains fragmented, with prior reviews predominantly focusing on general employee well-being or single-level analyses. This limitation constrains both theoretical clarity and the development of targeted organizational interventions. In particular, there is a need to systematically review how individual, group, and organizational factors shape employees’ well-being at work. To address this gap, the present study conducts a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing evidence from 53 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus. This study has two key implications: It identifies knowledge gaps in the literature and supports evidence-based decision-making. By synthesizing findings across the individual, group, and organizational levels, this review develops a broad and integrated understanding of the drivers of work well-being. The findings suggest that work well-being is driven by the dynamic interaction between individual and social resources, and broader organizational conditions. These factors operate in combination rather than independently, shaping employees’ psychological experiences across work contexts. This study contributes to the literature by providing a structured and integrative multilevel framework, clarifying conceptual boundaries of work well-being, and identifying underexplored research areas. It also offers a more analytically grounded synthesis that advances theoretical development and informs evidence-based organizational practices. In addition, the study highlights directions for future research, offering valuable insights for policymakers, managers, and scholars seeking to promote work well-being.