Proactively shaping your true self at work

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined whether job crafting may lead to occupational well-being through feelings of authenticity at work. In addition, the relationship between age and authenticity was examined. Data were collected among 436 candidates from a HR consultancy company that mainly operates within the life sciences branch. Results were analysed using a linear regression analysis and a Process mediation analysis. The findings indicated that crafting structural resources and crafting challenging demands are associated with increased employee well-being via increased authenticity, whereas crafting hindering demands is associated with reduced well-being via decreased authenticity. In addition, crafting social resources was not related to increased well-being through increased authenticity. Furthermore, a positive relationship between age and authenticity was demonstrated. This study is among the first to examine the role of authenticity in the relationship between job crafting and employee well-being. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.