Occupational Well‐Being of Nurse and Social Care Educators in the Era of Hybrid Work—A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aims

To explain the relationship between occupational well-being dimensions and overall occupational well-being among nurse and social care educators, with particular focus on hybrid work status.

Design

A cross-sectional survey study.

Methods

The quantitative data were collected from Finnish nurse and social care educators (n = 367) in autumn 2023 and analysed using multiple regression with interaction analysis.

Results

Overall personal occupational well-being was rated higher than work community occupational well-being, especially among hybrid-working educators. In models including all occupational well-being dimensions (working conditions, work community, worker's resources and work, and professional competence), only work community and worker's resources and work remained statistically significant positive relationships with occupational well-being. Hybrid work status moderated these relationships: the relationship between work community and occupational well-being was stronger among on-site educators, and professional competence was associated with work community occupational well-being only among them.

Conclusion

Voluntary hybrid work may support personal occupational well-being among nurse and social care educators, yet the enduring importance of work community—particularly for on-site educators—highlights the need to sustain work community resources across all work modalities.

Implications for the Profession

Occupational well-being strategies in educational institutions could benefit from reflecting diverse work arrangements. For hybrid models, emphasis might be placed on combining flexible work options with support for self-leadership and virtual community-building to ensure equitable well-being across modalities. Strengthening team-based collaboration can help maintain connection, competence, and resilience regardless of work setting.

Impact

This study provides evidence on the factors supporting occupational well-being among nurse and social care educators depending on the hybrid work status. Work community and individual resources are key predictors, with implications for tailoring support strategies in institutions adapting to hybrid work models.

Reporting Method

The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Involvement.