To be or not to be mindful at work. Analysis of the effects on psychological strain and job satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to uncover the theoretical role and the effects of mindfulness on psychological strain as well as job satisfaction among young German employees. The study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a stressful time for German employees. Thus, the role of mindfulness should be explained. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 198 participants was used for analysing the relationships by applying partial least squares structural equal modelling. Findings This study highlights that, in the working context, mindfulness was statistically significantly and negatively related to psychological strain (ß = −0.498, p < 0.000) and positively as well as statistically significantly related to job satisfaction (ß = 0.263, p < 0.000). Furthermore, psychological strain is negatively but statistically significant related to job satisfaction (ß = −0.207, p < 0.017). Additionally, psychological strain mediates the relationship between mindfulness and job satisfaction positively and significantly (ß = 0.103, p < 0.026). Originality/value This study contributes by firstly setting up a conceptual model that explicitly uncovers the paramount importance of mindfulness at work in relation to job satisfaction. Moreover, the authors contribute by highlighting that psychological strain is negatively affected by mindfulness. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study examining this interplay and setting up a new conceptual model.