Assessing the impact of emotional labor on employee well-being: a systematic review and research agenda
Rachna Bhopal, Rita Devi, Ruchi SharmaPurpose
This study examines the impact of emotional labor on employee well-being through a systematic literature review, addressing gaps in prior research that lacks comprehensive analysis and diverse perspectives. It synthesizes theoretical frameworks explaining this relationship, offering insights for academics and practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the Theory, Context, Characteristics and Methodology (TCCM) framework and Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR), this study systematically reviews 33 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2004 and 2024. This structured approach ensures rigorous analysis of key theories, characteristics and methodological trends in emotional labor research.
Findings
The review identifies dominant theoretical perspectives on emotional labor's influence on well-being, highlighting key characteristics such as surface and deep acting and their varying psychological effects. It uncovers methodological trends and research gaps, emphasizing areas requiring further exploration.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to Scopus-indexed articles, potentially omitting relevant research from other sources. Future studies should expand the scope by integrating additional databases and conducting empirical research to validate findings. The study advances theoretical understanding and provides practical implications by guiding organizations in developing strategies to support employee well-being.
Originality/value
This study offers a comprehensive and structured review of emotional labor's impact on well-being, addressing research gaps by integrating diverse theoretical perspectives. It provides novel insights for researchers and practitioners, aiding in mitigating the adverse effects of emotional labor in the workplace.