Job demands-resources and employee health and well-being: The moderating role of contract type

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the main propositions of the job demands-resources (JDR) model are moderated by type of contract (i.e. temporary contract vs permanent contract).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected in a large, heterogeneous sample from different countries, sectors, and jobs (n=3,845). Hypotheses were tested by means of multilevel analyses.

Findings

Results showed moderate support for the main effects of job demands (job insecurity and time pressure) and job resources (autonomy and social support) and weak support for the buffer effect of job resources in the prediction of job satisfaction and general health. The impact of contract type on the main propositions of the JDR model appeared to be weak. Yet, the evidence that was found suggests that temporary workers may be more tolerant to job insecurity and more likely to benefit from the buffering role of autonomy than permanent workers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate whether the relation between job demands and job resources and employee health and well-being differs for permanent workers and temporary workers.

Citation

van den Tooren, M. and de Jong, J. (2014), "Job demands-resources and employee health and well-being: The moderating role of contract type", Career Development International, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 101-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-05-2013-0058