In order for an employee to become fully immersed in their responsibilities, it’s essential that they have proper resources from their employer as well as personal resources, such as wellness, according to psychologist and researcher Arnold Bakker.
Bakker, from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, created a model that organizations can reference in order to improve employee engagement. His research is published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science.
Job resources that can lead to better employee performance include social support, feedback and the opportunity for advancement. Additionally, Bakker recommends that organizations allow their workers to have some autonomy in the workplace so employees can design their day to suit their needs and preferences.
Personal resources include self-esteem, optimism and good mental and physical well-being. Bakker said that a happy and healthy employee is likely to be a productive worker.
Employee wellness programs may be considered a job resource that also strengthens an individual’s personal resources by providing tools for stress management and advice for healthy living.
