A transformational leadership style — valued for stimulating innovation and worker performance — is also associated with increased well-being among employees, reports a study in the July Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).

“A transformational leadership style, which conveys a sense of trust and meaningfulness and individually challenges and develops employees, could lead to greater employee well-being,” according to the new research by Christine Jacobs of University of Cologne and colleagues.

Workers at six German information and communication technology companies were surveyed regarding their employer's leadership style. A transformational leadership score was based on qualities such as leading by example, making employees feel they are contributing to a common goal, providing intellectual stimulation, and giving positive feedback for good performance. Employees also completed a standard test of psychological well-being.

Based on the results, “Employees perceiving a higher degree of transformational leadership are more likely to experience well-being,” the researchers write. The effect of transformational leadership remained significant after accounting for other factors linked to well-being, such as age, education, and job strain.

The findings add to studies from other industries suggesting that a transformational style can favorably affect employee well-being. That’s especially important because company leadership and managers can readily learn communication skills used in transformational leadership, such as recognizing the needs of others and resolving conflicts. “Such training programs can be seen as another essential component of workplace health promotion and prevention efforts and therefore should receive wide support,” Jacobs and co-authors conclude.

Citation — Jacobs C; Pfaff H; Lehner B, et al. The influence of transformational leadership on employee well-being: results from a survey of companies in the information and communication technology sector in Germany. J Occup Environ Med. 2013;55(7):772-8.