Exploring the Dimensions of Employee Well-Being in High-Stakes Work Environments: A Study of the Aviation Industry
Keywords:
Employee well-being, aviation industry, high-stakes work environments, psychological strain, qualitative research, organizational support, resilienceAbstract
This study aimed to explore the key dimensions influencing employee well-being in high-stakes work environments, with a specific focus on the aviation industry in Tehran. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to collect in-depth data from 25 aviation professionals in Tehran, including pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, ground crew, and maintenance personnel. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation across job roles. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo software, allowing for inductive identification of major themes and subthemes related to well-being. Three overarching dimensions of employee well-being emerged from the analysis: psychological and emotional strain, organizational and environmental influences, and personal and professional fulfillment. Key subthemes included occupational stressors, emotional exhaustion, leadership support, safety climate, workload management, team dynamics, sense of purpose, resilience, and social support. Participants reported high levels of work-related stress, exacerbated by irregular schedules and role responsibilities, but also expressed deep job satisfaction tied to mission-driven work and peer support. Organizational justice, empathetic leadership, and access to mental health resources were identified as critical facilitators of well-being. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of employee well-being in high-risk sectors like aviation, where psychological strain coexists with strong intrinsic motivation and fulfillment. Enhancing well-being in such contexts requires systemic organizational interventions focused on leadership behavior, team culture, fairness, and integrated support systems. The study contributes to a more holistic understanding of occupational health in safety-critical environments and offers practical implications for workforce management in high-demand industries.
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