Abstract

NEL, Dedrieka Magdalena  and  VAN NIEKERK, Annelize. Gain or loss: A conceptual framework of employee well-being during change. JCMAN [online]. 2023, vol.20, n.1, pp.83-103. ISSN 1815-7440.  http://dx.doi.org/10.35683/jcman1004.186.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Organisational change is inevitable within the increasingly volatile and complex world of work; this is a reality that no organisation or employee can escape. It is well known that change failure may have a profoundly negative impact on employees' well-being. Many previous studies exploring the impact of organisational change on employee well-being adopted a quantitative approach - hence the need for a qualitative study that focuses on the lived experiences of change recipients DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study explored employees' lived experiences of organisational change and its impact on their well-being. This qualitative study used purposive sampling, where semi-structured interviews yielded rich data FINDINGS: Organisational change comprises both personal and professional ill-being and well-being descriptors. Those affected by restructuring and system change - and who 'survive' it - deal with mixed emotions, as they not only have to cope with its burden on themselves, but also on those working with them RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: The subsequent negative impact this has on employee well-being can, however, be moderated by creating an inclusive, safe organisational support environment in which effective communication channels allow the voices of employees and management to influence the change management process, as well as its outcomes for organisational strategy and goals MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Management should understand the social context within which change occurs and how it impacts on employee well-being. Organisational change should be informed contextually to ensure a systematic and inclusive approach, emphasising the importance of communication JEL CLASSIFICATION: M12, M50

Keywords : Communication; Content analysis; Employee well-being; Ill-being; Interpretivist paradigm; Multidimensional; Organisational change; Qualitative study; Semi-structured interviews; Survivor syndrome.

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