Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Aged Workers: Interplay of Organizational Justice, Workplace Emotions, and Subjective Age Perception

Abstract

Introduction Organizational justice, as a multifaceted construct, plays an essential role in shaping organizational behaviors vital for boosting productivity. Previous research has underlined its influential role in both task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. Importantly, positive emotions stemming from perceptions of both distributive and procedural justice have been associated with heightened levels of life satisfaction. This study aimed to elucidate the mediating role of these emotions in the connection between organizational justice perceptions and life satisfaction. Methods Participants (N= 588) in two waves of multisource data from fifteen private firms in China, have been aged workers from 40 to 60 years old. Results The findings revealed a significant mediation effect of positive emotions linking employees’ perceptions of justice and their overall life satisfaction. Discussion In alignment with the Spill-over hypothesis, our findings underscore the importance of cultivating an equitable work environment. Such an environment does not only drive job-specific outcomes but also deeply influences employees’ broader well-being and happiness. By grasping the intricacies of organizational justice and its myriad effects on employee satisfaction, organizations can devise precise interventions, thereby elevating both employee well-being and overall productivity.