A new study published in Applied Psychology reveals that work alienation is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s digitalized and globalized workplaces, posing significant challenges for both employees and organizations.
The paper, authored by researchers Juanjuan Liu, Lara Carminati, and Celeste Wilderom at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, was published on January 7, 2025, under the title “Work Alienation through the Dialectical Lens.”
Research Findings and Implications
The researchers analyzed over 110 studies published since 2000, uncovering how work alienation develops and impacts modern workers.
Their findings show that alienation manifests across three key dimensions: disconnection from one’s job, isolation from colleagues, and detachment from one’s authentic self.
The research highlights how work alienation typically progresses through distinct stages, beginning with subtle cognitive changes before potentially developing into more visible behavioral manifestations.
These can include reduced work effort, withdrawal from workplace relationships, and decreased organizational commitment.
Team Impact and Contagion Effects
Of particular concern is the study’s finding that work alienation can spread within teams.
The research suggests that even a single alienated employee can contribute to deteriorating team dynamics, potentially leading to an environment characterized by low trust and poor communication.
The review emphasizes the critical role of human resource management and team leaders in identifying early warning signs of work alienation.
It suggests that organizations need to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers both workplace factors and personal circumstances affecting employee engagement.
Organizational Implications and Future Directions
The analysis revealed that while organizations have implemented various interventions to improve employee wellbeing, many workers continue to experience estrangement in their professional lives.
This disconnect appears particularly pronounced in the context of remote work and digital transformation.
The article provides a new framework for understanding and addressing work alienation in contemporary workplaces.
The findings suggest that as organizations continue to navigate technological change and global competition, addressing work alienation will become increasingly crucial for maintaining organizational health and employee wellbeing.
The study concludes that early detection and intervention are essential for preventing the spread of work alienation and its potential negative impacts on both individuals and organizations.
“By detecting and addressing early signs of work alienation,” the authors write, “we can prevent its contagion and mitigate what could otherwise become a problematic (organizational and societal) state of human affairs.”
Study Details:
Title: “Work Alienation through the Dialectical Lens“
Authors: Juanjuan Liu, Lara Carminati, and Celeste Wilderom
Published: January 7, 2025
Published in: Applied Psychology
Institution: University of Twente, Netherlands
DOI: 10.1111/apps.12600