Self-compassion at work : A self-regulation perspective on its beneficial effects for work performance and wellbeing
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Related Research Unit(s)
Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 279-309 |
Number of pages | 31 |
Journal / Publication | Personnel Psychology |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 1 |
Online published | 11 Feb 2022 |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Link(s)
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
Citation Format(s)
Self-compassion at work: A self-regulation perspective on its beneficial effects for work performance and wellbeing. / Jennings, Remy E.; Lanaj, Klodiana; Kim, You Jin.
In: Personnel Psychology, Vol. 76, No. 1, 2023, p. 279-309.
In: Personnel Psychology, Vol. 76, No. 1, 2023, p. 279-309.
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review