Work

Social well-being at work: The effect of job insecurity and different foci of trust

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Orientation: Understanding the connection between job insecurity and trust is vital for enhancing workplace social well-being.Research purpose: This study examined the effect of organisational and interpersonal trust and job uncertainty on the social well-being of workers in a volatile and culturally diverse workplace context in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Gaining insight into how positive (trust) and negative (job insecurity) factors affect employees’ social well-being in culturally diverse workplaces is crucial. Such understanding can inform human resource strategies and promote the sustainability of organisations.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilising a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 403 permanent employees from various positions within a utility organisation in South Africa completed a structured questionnaire.Main findings: Trust in the organisational entity and in co-workers enhanced social well-being, with trust in the organisation having a greater effect. Job insecurity reduced social well-being directly and indirectly through diminished organisational trust.Practical/managerial implications: Managers should prioritise building trust within the organisation and among colleagues to enhance social well-being, emphasising transparent communication, consistent leadership and support programmes. Addressing job insecurity is also essential, as it reduces social well-being by affecting organisational trust.Contribution/value-add: This study deepened our understanding of how trust and job insecurity are related to social well-being at work. It contributed by exploring social well-being in an underexplored African public sector setting, offering insights for developing policies and human resource management strategies to enhance organisational sustainability.

Source: SA Journal of Human Resource Management

DOI: 10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.3064

Authors: Eugeny C. Hennicks, Marita M. Heyns, Sebastiaan Rothmann

Institution: North-West University

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $699