Self-compassion at work : A self-regulation perspective on its beneficial effects for work performance and wellbeing

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

21 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)279-309
Number of pages31
Journal / PublicationPersonnel Psychology
Volume76
Issue number1
Online published11 Feb 2022
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Abstract

The work environment is fraught with complex demands, hardships, and challenges, highlighting the need to approach work with self-compassion each day. We propose that work self-compassion—a mindset of kindness, gentleness, and care toward oneself as an employee—may generate the resources and motivation needed for self-regulation at work. Drawing from integrated self-control theory (ISCT) and theory on self-compassion, we suggest that on days when employees hold a work self-compassionate mindset, they will exhibit greater work performance and wellbeing via enhanced resource capacity and motivation. In an experimental experience sampling study, we found that a work self-compassionate mindset reduced depletion and increased work self-esteem and thereby heightened daily work engagement and daily resilience. Consequently, employees made greater goal progress at work and experienced higher meaning in life. In a supplemental study, we show that state self-compassion at work is associated with unique variance in work outcomes beyond compassion received from coworkers. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for self-compassion in organizational contexts. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Research Area(s)

  • experience sampling, goal progress, meaning in life, self-compassion, self-regulation