Nurturing career growth, thriving, and happiness at work : Cross-sector lessons on how HR systems affect employee wellbeing

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This cross-industry study from Pakistan examines the impact of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on employee happiness, career aspiration levels, and employees' ability to thrive at work. The results showed that HPWS measures like training, rewards, and involvement did indirectly improve employee happiness by enabling career aspirations and by helping employees thrive. Therefore, managers are advised to implement these practices consistently, with the aim of boosting retention, happiness, energy for work, positivity in collaboration, and innovative output among employee team communities. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.