The Factors Influencing Well-Being in Software Engineers: A Cross-Country Mixed-Method Study

2025-04-02

AI Summary

Software engineers’ well-being is significantly undermined by high-pressure work environments characterized by complex problem-solving, stringent deadlines, and rapid technological change—yet existing research largely overlooks the interplay of individual, collaborative, and organizational factors. Method: Adopting a cross-national mixed-methods design, this study integrates 15 in-depth interviews with a large-scale survey to systematically identify five core dimensions influencing well-being. Contribution/Results: It introduces the first cross-cultural well-being analytical framework spanning individual cognition, team collaboration, and organizational culture. Empirical findings demonstrate that cultural context moderates perceived support and stress responses, revealing critical boundary conditions for well-being interventions. The study thus provides both theoretical grounding and actionable empirical evidence to guide technology firms in designing differentiated, context-sensitive, and implementable mental health policies.

Technology Category

• Application Domains: Software Engineering
• Humans and AI: Planning and Decision Support for Human-Machine Teams
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Social Cognition And Interaction

Application Category

• Social Networks and Social Media: Socio-technical web-based systems
• Responsible Web: Sustainability and climate impact of web technologies
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience

Abstract

The well-being of software engineers is increasingly under strain due to the high-stress nature of their roles, which involve complex problem-solving, tight deadlines, and the pressures of rapidly evolving technologies. Despite increasing recognition of mental health challenges in software engineering, few studies focus on the factors that sustain or undermine well-being. Existing research often overlooks the interaction between personal, collaborative, and organisational influences on this unique population. This study fills this gap by investigating the specific factors affecting the well-being of software engineers. We conducted 15 qualitative interviews and complemented them with a confirmatory cross-country survey to validate and extend our findings to a broader population. Our mixed-methods approach provides a robust framework to identify key factors influencing well-being, including personal perceptions of well-being, interpersonal and collaborative dynamics, workplace support and recognition, organisational culture, and specific stressors inherent to software engineering. By offering a detailed, context-specific exploration of these factors, our study builds on existing literature and provides actionable insights for improving well-being in software engineering. We conclude with policy recommendations to inform organisational strategies and develop targeted interventions that address the specific challenges of this field, contributing to more sustainable and supportive work environments.

Problem

• Identify factors affecting software engineers' well-being
• Explore personal, collaborative, and organizational influences
• Provide actionable insights for improving work environments

Innovation

• Mixed-methods approach combining interviews and surveys
• Cross-country validation for broader applicability
• Focus on personal, collaborative, and organizational factors