This paper explores the mix of total rewards that drives employee happiness in new ventures. In doing so, the authors use the job-demand resource (JD-R) model to explain that total rewards act as valuable job resources that can help alleviate stress from high job demands in the fast-paced environment of new ventures, ultimately leading to increased employee happiness.
A qualitative approach was employed to explore this relatively new phenomenon. The data, comprising 21 interviews with employees working in technology-based new ventures, was thematically analyzed.
Employees expressed satisfaction with their pay and benefits but showed a strong preference for diverse and meaningful tasks. Increased job responsibilities were viewed as enhancing ownership rather than adding burden. Interviewees valued challenging tasks and opportunities that fostered skill development and learning, and they appreciated work cultures that encouraged innovation, creativity and provided a psychologically safe environment for sharing or brainstorming ideas.
The growth of new ventures in India has increased the importance of understanding and meeting employee needs to ensure happiness. This study is one of the first to explore total rewards mix and the subjective experiences of employee happiness within this unique context. This research provides rare insights into employees’ perspectives within Indian new ventures.
