Nurses' Experiences of Workplace Flourishing in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study
- 1Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- 2Medical Research Center Oulu Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu Oulu Finland
Abstract
To describe nurses' experiences of workplace flourishing in healthcare. A qualitative descriptive design using content analysis. Semi‐structured remote individual interviews were conducted with 16 nurses between January and April 2023 in a private occupational healthcare organization in Finland. The data were analyzed using a deductive–inductive content analysis approach informed by the Flourishing at Work framework, which addresses the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of workplace flourishing. Emotional well‐being included experiencing mixed work‐related emotions and energizing work performance. Psychological well‐being included fostering employee engagement, supporting professional growth, developing professional self‐awareness, recognizing the broader significance of work, and enhancing personal well‐being at work. Social well‐being included building an inclusive workplace environment, guiding actions through core values, fostering communality in the workplace, promoting mutual respect in the workplace, and experiencing human‐centered leadership. A positive work community was a central driver of all WF dimensions, highlighting its social aspect. Human‐centered leadership, characterized by coaching, empowerment, and interpersonal support, was essential for fostering WF. Nurses' WF was further shaped by personal values, meaningful work, and growth opportunities. Influence over one's work and organizational support for work–life balance also contributed significantly, underscoring the need to embed these elements in organizational practices. Findings highlight the need for human‐centered leadership and supportive work communities to enhance nurse retention and well‐being. Nurse supervisors play a key role in recognizing individual needs and supporting holistic well‐being of nurses. The reporting is based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
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BibTeX
@article{josefiina2026nurses,
title = {{Nurses' Experiences of Workplace Flourishing in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study}},
author = {Annanolli Josefiina and Mäenpää Tiia and Kuha Suvi and Kanste Outi},
journal = {Research in Nursing \& Health},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1002/nur.70109},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.70109},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Nurses' Experiences of Workplace Flourishing in Healthcare: A Qualitative Study
AU - Annanolli Josefiina
AU - Mäenpää Tiia
AU - Kuha Suvi
AU - Kanste Outi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/01
JO - Research in Nursing & Health
DO - 10.1002/nur.70109
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.70109
AB - To describe nurses' experiences of workplace flourishing in healthcare. A qualitative descriptive design using content analysis. Semi‐structured remote individual interviews were conducted with 16 nurses between January and April 2023 in a private occupational healthcare organization in Finland. The data were analyzed using a deductive–inductive content analysis approach informed by the Flourishing at Work framework, which addresses the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of workplace flourishing. Emotional well‐being included experiencing mixed work‐related emotions and energizing work performance. Psychological well‐being included fostering employee engagement, supporting professional growth, developing professional self‐awareness, recognizing the broader significance of work, and enhancing personal well‐being at work. Social well‐being included building an inclusive workplace environment, guiding actions through core values, fostering communality in the workplace, promoting mutual respect in the workplace, and experiencing human‐centered leadership. A positive work community was a central driver of all WF dimensions, highlighting its social aspect. Human‐centered leadership, characterized by coaching, empowerment, and interpersonal support, was essential for fostering WF. Nurses' WF was further shaped by personal values, meaningful work, and growth opportunities. Influence over one's work and organizational support for work–life balance also contributed significantly, underscoring the need to embed these elements in organizational practices. Findings highlight the need for human‐centered leadership and supportive work communities to enhance nurse retention and well‐being. Nurse supervisors play a key role in recognizing individual needs and supporting holistic well‐being of nurses. The reporting is based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
SN - 0160-6891
SN - 1098-240X
ER -