Topic Editors

School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Dr. Faiza Manzoor
School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China

Leadership and Employee Well-Being: Fostering a Healthy Work Environment

Abstract submission deadline
30 June 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
31 August 2025
Viewed by
12497

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical role that leadership plays in influencing the well-being of employees (Grawitch et al., 2017). The workplace is no longer viewed solely as a space for completing tasks but as a complex ecosystem where employees' physical, mental, and emotional health are intertwined with organizational success (Judge & Piccolo, 2004). Effective leadership not only drives productivity and performance but also fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and supported. As organizations continue to navigate through rapid changes and evolving work dynamics, the significance of leadership in promoting employee well-being becomes increasingly evident. Similarly, effective leadership is essential in championing these initiatives, aligning them with the organization's goals, and ensuring their successful implementation.

In this topic, the authors will be able to investigate the role of organizational practices and policies in supporting employee well-being. From flexible work arrangements to wellness programs and initiatives promoting work–life balance, organizations have various tools to create a supportive and healthy work environment. Furthermore, individual leader behaviors and traits will be examined for their impact on employee well-being. Empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication are among the qualities that can help leaders connect with their teams, understand their needs, and provide appropriate support. By cultivating a culture of trust, respect, and psychological safety, leaders can empower employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

Dr. Muhammad Asif
Dr. Faiza Manzoor
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • leadership
  • employee well-being
  • organizational practices
  • work–life balance
  • emotional intelligence
  • empowerment
  • psychological safety
  • resilience
  • productivity
  • healthcare management
  • organizational learning

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Administrative Sciences
admsci
3.0 4.8 2011 29.1 Days CHF 1400 Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ijerph
- 7.3 2004 25.8 Days CHF 2500 Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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20 pages, 707 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Distributed Leadership on Chinese Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: The Chain Mediation of Teacher Collaboration and Teacher Self-Efficacy
by Xiaodong Fan and Zuwang Chu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040507 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
The leadership structure within educational institutions has a significant bearing on teacher job satisfaction (TJS). This study employs data from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS 2018) specific to Shanghai to construct a structural equation model that investigates how distributed leadership [...] Read more.
The leadership structure within educational institutions has a significant bearing on teacher job satisfaction (TJS). This study employs data from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS 2018) specific to Shanghai to construct a structural equation model that investigates how distributed leadership (DL) impacts TJS in China. Findings reveal that DL has a markedly positive effect on the job satisfaction of teachers in China. Teacher self-efficacy (TSE) serves as an independent mediator in this relationship, while teacher collaboration (TC) does not mediate independently; nonetheless, both collaborate sequentially in a mediation pathway. These findings affirm the relevance of DL in the Chinese educational setting, offering empirical evidence to inform policymakers. Furthermore, it underscores that enhancing TC and TSE can lead to increased job satisfaction under DL. The results highlight the practical implications of this study for the advancement of educational governance and the optimization of school management models in China. Full article
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17 pages, 803 KiB  
Article
Impact of Leader Behavior on Employee Experience and Job Satisfaction in Educational Institutions
by Elizabeth Emperatriz García-Salirrosas, Felipe Eduardo Yong-Chung, Ralphi Ricardo Jauregui-Arroyo, Manuel Escobar-Farfán and Ángel Acevedo-Duque
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15040119 - 23 Mar 2025
Viewed by 580
Abstract
Given the relevance of leadership in the educational environment, there is a need to identify the key elements that influence teacher well-being. Therefore, the present study addresses the impact of leader behavior, specifically initial structure and consideration, on employee experience and job satisfaction [...] Read more.
Given the relevance of leadership in the educational environment, there is a need to identify the key elements that influence teacher well-being. Therefore, the present study addresses the impact of leader behavior, specifically initial structure and consideration, on employee experience and job satisfaction in Peruvian educational institutions. The research included a sample of 651 regular basic education teachers in Peru and used a structural equation model using PLS-SEM to evaluate the hypotheses. The following were measured: three dimensions of the employee experience: sensorial, intellectual, and emotional, using validated and reliable instruments. The results indicated that the initial structure positively impacts the three dimensions of the employee experience, while consideration significantly influences the sensorial and emotional experiences but not the intellectual ones. Likewise, it was proven that the three dimensions of the employee experience positively impact job satisfaction. It is concluded that effective leadership, which combines structural clarity and emotional support, improves the work environment and increases staff satisfaction. Finally, implementing leadership training programs is suggested to strengthen these competencies in educational leaders. Full article
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14 pages, 563 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Nursing Excellence: Exploring the Relationship between Nurse Deployment and Performance
by Reni Asmara Ariga, Rebecca Aurelia, Paskah Thio Dora Anak Ampun, Cindy Patresia Hutabarat and Ferdinand Batiscta Panjaitan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101309 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1952
Abstract
Proper nurse placement is crucial for enhancing the performance and quality of health services. This study aims to explore in-depth the relationship between nurse placement and performance in order to promote nursing excellence. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a descriptive correlational methodology. [...] Read more.
Proper nurse placement is crucial for enhancing the performance and quality of health services. This study aims to explore in-depth the relationship between nurse placement and performance in order to promote nursing excellence. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a descriptive correlational methodology. The population in this study consisted of 214 executive nurses at Medan Government Hospital, with a sample size of 139. The study’s findings revealed that nurses performed exceptionally well in providing nursing care, scoring 94.2%, with those well-placed scoring 90.6%. The results from the Spearman rho correlation test showed that nursing qualifications, experience, work environments, and team dynamics have significant relationships with nurse performance. Meanwhile, the nurse’s rho factor towards patients and the policy or regulation component showed low significance and relationship. The novelty of this study lies in its indication that nursing performance can be enhanced by aligning the placement of nurses with their abilities and experience, and fostering a work environment and positive team dynamics that encourage collaboration and efficiency. These findings provide vital insights for nursing staff management in order to enhance nursing care quality and patient health outcomes. This study highlights the need for suitable placement and professional development for nurses in order to attain maximum performance. Full article
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13 pages, 794 KiB  
Essay
Understanding and Mitigating Leadership Fear-Based Behaviors on Employee and Organizational Success
by Jason A. Hubbart
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090225 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7788
Abstract
Leadership behavior profoundly influences organizational culture, serving as a cornerstone for environments that foster safety, innovation, and employee satisfaction. This article utilizes research from the primary literature to demonstrate how leaders’ actions and underlying fears influence organizational dynamics and employee outcomes, highlighting the [...] Read more.
Leadership behavior profoundly influences organizational culture, serving as a cornerstone for environments that foster safety, innovation, and employee satisfaction. This article utilizes research from the primary literature to demonstrate how leaders’ actions and underlying fears influence organizational dynamics and employee outcomes, highlighting the importance of respect, transparency, and trust. Studies have shown that leadership styles shape the work environment, driving innovation and performance. However, concerns over productivity, evaluation, and control can lead to poor communication, low transparency, reduced innovation, and diminished performance, creating a culture of mistrust and anxiety. Authoritarian control or neglect of employees’ needs exacerbates these issues, stifling creativity. The Pygmalion and Golem effects demonstrate how positive reinforcement enhances morale, productivity, and retention, while negative reinforcement is detrimental. Leaders operating under fears of failure or loss of control or political capital inadvertently create a culture of fear and increasingly severe feedback loops of reduced employee trust, satisfaction, and commitment. Addressing these fears fosters open communication, psychological safety, transparency, and mutual respect. Strategies for transforming leadership fears into positive change include promoting open communication, decentralizing decision-making, and implementing positive reinforcement mechanisms. Constructive feedback mechanisms encourage bidirectional communication and help mitigate the negative impacts of leadership fears. Leaders who address their fears can strengthen team trust, enhancing collaboration and engagement. Ultimately, managing leadership fears proactively catalyzes organizational learning and development, promoting a mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth. This approach enhances adaptability and resilience while fostering continuous improvement. Addressing leadership fears and fostering a supportive culture is essential for sustainable productivity and success, serving as a starting point for exploring strategies that support employee performance and development, ultimately contributing to organizational success. Full article
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