Socially Complex Configurations of Workplace Happiness in Healthcare: Across and After the Pandemic

Abstract

[EN] The COVID-19 pandemic presented healthcare professionals with extraordinary challenges, prompting a critical examination of managerial practices that can enhance their well-being, particularly in the context of workplace happiness. Drawing on the foundations of Positive Psychology, this research delves into the psychosocial intricacies surrounding workplace happiness among healthcare professionals. We employ configurational analyses based on a set-theory rationale, exploring individual differences, social meaning (measured by the quality of social networks and competitive culture), and a sense of purpose (influenced by ethical leadership) as factors shaping workplace happiness. We follow a longitudinal approach, aligned with the WHO's pre- and post-lockdown recommendations, to address empirical gaps and contextual differences, using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Therefore, we empirically analyze configurations influencing workplace happiness among Portuguese healthcare professionals during the pandemic (n = 179) and in a subsequent post-pandemic follow-up (n = 153). The findings reveal variations in configurations leading to the presence or absence of workplace happiness among professionals during and after the pandemic, contributing to distinctions that underscore adaptive needs that can influence managerial intervention. We discuss practical implications for preventive measures, emphasizing the dynamic nature of managerial strategies during crises and contributing valuable insights for future crisis management in healthcare settings.