Based on conservation of resources theory and the socially embedded model of thriving, this study examines how skill variety and thriving at work form a dynamic reciprocal process over time by investigating the longitudinal mediating role of agentic work behaviors.
Using three-wave survey data from employees in the baking industry, this study tests a longitudinal mediation model through cross-lagged panel analyses, examining how skill variety is linked to thriving at work via agentic work behaviors.
Results show that skill variety positively predicts subsequent agentic work behaviors, which in turn foster thriving at work. Conversely, thriving at work predicts later individuals’ perceptions of skill variety.
While the longitudinal design strengthens temporal inference, causal conclusions remain limited. Future research could use experimental or alternative longitudinal models to further clarify within-person dynamics and resource gain spirals.
The findings suggest that organizations can foster thriving by designing jobs with greater skill variety and by creating conditions that support employees’ proactive engagement with their work.
By integrating work design, agentic behavior and thriving from a dynamic perspective, this study advances understanding of how and when work design resources are translated into sustained vitality and learning over time.
