Wellbeing first: designing motivation systems in AI-driven workplaces
Wellbeing first: designing motivation systems in AI-driven workplaces
Explore how motivation practices translate into commitment in increasingly AI shaped workplaces, with Dr Hanna Kinowska, Institute of Human Capital, SGH Warsaw School of Economics
There is no charge (but you can make an optional donation)
There is no charge (but you can make an optional donation)
In this Lunchtime Talk, Dr Hanna Kinowska shares findings from her research monograph and two peer-reviewed studies to show that organisational commitment is not achievable without systematically supporting employee wellbeing.
She also unpacks how AI and algorithmic management act as a double-edged sword: they can lift wellbeing yet reduce job autonomy and weaken total rewards undermining motivation if left unmanaged.
The talk is grounded in three pillars:
- Research monograph (2025): a system model demonstrating that motivation practices (pay, managerial support, empowerment, work–life balance) influence commitment through employee wellbeing. Mixed-methods evidence from manager interviews and an employee survey.
- Information Technology & People paper (2023): analysis of European organisations shows a moderate direct effect of algorithmic management on wellbeing and an indirect negative effect via reduced job autonomy and weakened total rewards.
- Paper presented at EURAM conference (2025): work autonomy boosts performance with wellbeing as a significant mediator. Expected strengthening via management fairness is weaker than hypothesised.
You’re invited!
Evidence-based pointers for designing motivation systems that buffer autonomy loss in AI settings (e.g., deliberate empowerment and high-quality manager–employee relations) and for updating total rewards for digital work.
About the speaker
Dr hab. Hanna Kinowska is a management economist at SGH Warsaw School of Economics specialising in motivation and reward systems. She has 20+ years’ experience in human resource management, including senior leadership roles and large-scale HR transformations. She teaches master’s and postgraduate courses in HRM, motivation and remuneration, and is the author/co-author of numerous publications.
Fun fact about Hanna
Two academic cities especially close to my heart are Cambridge and Manchester, as both have become part of my family story in recent years.
There is no charge (but you can make an optional donation)
