Work

Job quality and employee happiness: evidence from China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Despite the rapid economic growth experienced by China in recent decades, issues such as income inequality, occupational stress, and disparities in career advancement opportunities have become increasingly salient, exerting a detrimental influence on the subjective well-being and overall quality of life of employees. Methods: Using a nationally-representative survey data in China, we construct an index of job quality at the individual level using a multidimensional approach and then estimate the effect of job quality on employee happiness. Results: Results from instrumental variable estimation show that job quality has a significantly positive effect on employee happiness. Moreover, a high-quality jobs enhances employee subjective well-being mainly through pathways including improved mental health and increased harmony perception. Conclusion: To improve the well-being of employees in developing countries, this paper emphasizes the importance of policy support to improve the quality of their work.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1550200

Authors: Bingbing Yu, Zhenping Song, Zheng Shen

Institutions: Hangzhou Dianzi University Information Engineering School, Hangzhou Dianzi University

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801