Mattering at work: a scoping review with implications for the healthcare work environment

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Workplace Well-being
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Mattering, the sense of making a difference and feeling significant, is recognized as vital for healthy work environments.
• This concept is particularly pertinent for healthcare leaders managing staff experiencing burnout and turnover.
• Understanding mattering in work settings offers insights into employee experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of mattering within the work environment.
• To identify key concepts and relationships between mattering and work-related factors.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases (PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, EMBASE, Business Source Complete, PsycINFO).
• Included peer-reviewed studies investigating the concept of mattering at work.

Main Results:

• 33 articles from diverse work environments across seven countries were reviewed.
• Employee perceptions of mattering were influenced by role, status, relationships, support, and societal impact.
• Significant links were found between mattering, employee well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational culture.

Conclusions:

• Employee perceptions of significance are shaped by interpersonal, societal, and organizational interactions.
• Healthcare leaders should focus on employee mattering to foster healthy work environments.
• Future research should explore mattering in healthcare settings and develop interventions to enhance it.