Longitudinal development of well‐being among Finnish employees during 2019–2021: Relationships with personality trait profiles

Abstract

We examined well‐being profiles among Finnish employees before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their links with personality trait profiles. Longitudinal survey data were collected in 2019–2021, and 733 respondents participated in all five surveys. The data were analyzed with a person‐centered approach using latent profile analysis (LPA). Measures included burnout, work engagement, psychological distress; and Big Five personality traits. Six well‐being profiles: Disengaged, Declined, Engaged, Fluctuated, Stable, and Burned‐out, and four personality profiles: Ordinary, Reserved, Resilient, and Overcontrolled were identified. Resilient participants typically belonged to the Engaged well‐being profile and Reserved to Burned‐out and Fluctuated well‐being profiles. Although some separation in developmental well‐being profiles existed, overall, well‐being was rather stable. Personality trait profiles played a crucial role in maintaining well‐being.