Low Employment Precariousness as a Structural Determinant of Nurses’ Well‐Being: The Mediating Role of Psychosocial Working Conditions
Marja Hult, Venla Karikumpu, Marjo Ring, Santtu MikkonenBackground
Nurses experience high levels of impaired mental well‐being and burnout, threatening both workforce sustainability and the quality of care. Despite growing recognition of employment precariousness as a structural determinant of health, limited attention has been paid to its role in shaping nurses’ workplace experiences. Although nursing is generally regarded as a secure profession, considerable variation in employment conditions exists within the workforce, contributing to experiences of employment precariousness. However, the mechanisms linking employment precariousness to nurses’ well‐being remain insufficiently understood.
Aim
To examine the associations of low employment precariousness on mental well‐being and burnout among nurses and to analyse how psychosocial working conditions mediate these associations.
Methods
This prospective longitudinal study collected survey data from nurses in 2023 and 2025, including primarily registered nurses (66%) and practical nurses (19%). A total of 1018 nurses participated in both survey waves. Low employment precariousness was measured across eight dimensions. Psychosocial working conditions were assessed through job resources, psychological safety, social support and work engagement. Path analysis models were used to examine the longitudinal effects of low employment precariousness and to assess the mediating role of psychosocial working conditions.
Results
Low employment precariousness is associated with better mental well‐being and lower burnout. It also showed positive cross‐sectional and cross‐lagged effects on mediating factors, which, in turn, associated with mental well‐being and burnout. Low employment precariousness in 2023 had an indirect positive effect on mental well‐being in 2025 ( β = 0.20) and an indirect negative effect on burnout in 2025 ( β = −0.19).
Conclusion
This study provides novel evidence that low employment precariousness may have long‐term beneficial effects on nurses’ well‐being. Psychosocial resources mediate the relationship between low employment precariousness and well‐being at both the organizational and individual levels. The findings underscore the importance of fair and inclusive management as a key focus for workplace interventions in healthcare settings.