The Research Desk
Supportive organizational culture enhances well-being for seasonal tourism workers, transforming potential risks into opportunities for flourishing.
From Risk to Flourishing: Organizational Resources in Seasonal Tourism Work.
- Relationships
- Meaning
Fantinelli, S., Cortini, M., Santoriello, M., Pagano, L., Galanti, T.
In plain language
This study delves into the experiences of seasonal workers in Italy's tourism sector, focusing on how organizational culture influences their well-being. Seasonal work often comes with challenges such as emotional exhaustion and job insecurity. By conducting interviews with workers in the hospitality industry, the researchers identified key factors that contribute to a positive work experience. They found that a supportive organizational culture can significantly enhance the well-being of these workers, turning potential risks into opportunities for flourishing.
The study utilized a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative text analysis, to uncover five main themes: trust and relationships, coping strategies and emotions, perceived justice, teamwork, and the meaning of work. These themes were integrated into a broader concept of flourishing, as defined by Seligman's PERMA model, which encompasses positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
Key findings
- Positive organizational culture can mitigate psychosocial risks in seasonal tourism work.
- Trust, teamwork, and perceived fairness are crucial for worker well-being.
- Emotional self-regulation and collective identity support flourishing at work.
- Workers find meaning in their roles, contributing to job satisfaction.
- Organizational policies can play a significant role in promoting a healthy work environment.
Why it matters
This research highlights the importance of organizational culture in enhancing the well-being of seasonal workers, a group often facing high psychosocial risks. By fostering a positive work environment, organizations can help workers thrive despite the inherent challenges of their job.
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Organizations in the tourism sector can focus on building trust, ensuring fairness, and promoting teamwork to improve employee well-being. Workers can also benefit from developing emotional self-regulation skills and finding personal meaning in their work. These strategies can help create a more supportive and flourishing work environment.