„Brave new Work? “

The increasing complexity in work environments, driven by globalization, demographic changes, and digitization, raises the need for adaptation and induces stress among employees. Research indicates a relationship between knowledge exchange and employee well-being. However, a profound understanding and intervention mechanisms remain largely unclear.

The focus of this study is on analyzing the factors influencing knowledge management on employee well-being in dynamic work contexts to gain a detailed understanding of the relationships.

Surveys were conducted with employees in two different organizations. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using the method GABEK®, an approach particularly noted for its effectiveness in capturing and simplifying the complexity of organizational phenomena.

The analysis indicates that increasing complexity in the workplace, generational shifts, adaptation difficulties, and communication problems at the management level enhance stress and strains for employees. It also emphasizes the importance of adaptive knowledge management strategies and social support to strengthen well-being and reduce strain.

Social support and the use of digital resources enhance knowledge exchange and can, thus, reduce strains for employees. They also contribute to efficient information provision, which can reduce time pressure and associated stress.