Person-Environment Fit, Emotional Exhaustion, and Depression: The Mediating Role of Workplace Belonging

This study explored the relationship between person-environment fit (PE-fit), workplace belonging, emotional exhaustion, and depression, with a specific focus on the mediating role of workplace belonging. A sample of 202 French professionals completed validated French-language online-questionnaires assessing these variables. Results supported the hypothesized model. Negative associations were found between PE-fit, workplace belonging, emotional exhaustion, and depression. Mediation analysis confirmed workplace belonging's mediating role between PE-fit and employee depression, as well as emotional exhaustion. This research underscores the significance of workplace belonging in understanding links between person-environment fit, emotional exhaustion, and depression. These findings offer practical insights for organizations aiming to prevent psychological distress by enhancing employees' sense of belonging.