The moderating role of career adaptability on the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee mental and physical health

Abstract

Orientation: Aspects of religion and spirituality are now being infused into the experience of work. The key to this is understanding how religion and spirituality affect individual and organisational functioning.

Research purpose: This study investigated the influence of career adaptability on workplace spirituality and employee health. In this study, employee health refers to mental and physical health.

Motivation for the study: This study’s context was the South African public service noted to be undergoing change affecting employees. Strategies that assist employees in promoting mental and physical health are needed.

Research approach/design and method: Quantitative data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire, and 214 teachers took part in this study. Simple linear regression and hierarchical regression analyses were performed to make meaning of the data. Respondents of the study were teachers in rural high schools of South Africa.

Main findings: The results indicate that workplace spirituality significantly influences mental and physical health. Furthermore, career adaptability moderates the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee health.

Practical/managerial implications: Given the positive role that workplace spirituality has on employee health, that is, mental and physical health, we advocate for some interventions. This could be in the form of employee-friendly policies. Furthermore, training can assist in developing a heightened sense of individual and organisational workplace spirituality.

Contribution/value-add: Paying attention to how employees develop workplace spirituality and career adaptability can encourage positive behaviours around employee health.