The role of career adaptability and work conditions on general and professional well-being

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior 2013-12, Vol.83 (3), p.437-449
• Main Authors: Maggiori, Christian, Johnston, Claire S., Krings, Franciska, Massoudi, Koorosh, Rossier, Jérôme
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptability; Career adaptability; Career development planning; Careers; Employment security; General well-being; Job strain; Occupational stress; Professional insecurity; Professional well-being; Quality of life; Studies; Working conditions
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2013.07.001

This study, conducted with a representative sample of employed and unemployed adults living in Switzerland (N=2002), focuses on work conditions (in terms of professional insecurity and job demands), career adaptability, and professional and general well-being. Analyses of covariance highlighted that both unemployed and employed participants with low job insecurity reported higher scores on career adaptability and several dimensions (notably on control) than employed participants with high job insecurity. Moreover, structural equation modeling for employed participants showed that, independent of work conditions, adaptability resources were positively associated both with general and professional well-being. As expected professional outcomes were strongly related to job strain and professional insecurity, emphasizing the central role of the work environment. Finally, career adaptability partially mediated the relationship between job strain and professional insecurity, and the outcome well-being. •Unemployed reported comparable career adaptability than low job insecurity employed.•Unemployed reported higher adaptability resources than high job insecurity employed.•Independent of work conditions, adaptability resources predicted well-being.•Career adaptability partially mediated the effect of work conditions on well-being.