The Role of Psychological Capital in Navigating AI-Driven Workplace Transformations

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into workplaces, transforming job tasks, communication, and skill requirements, employees face both opportunities and stressors. Psychological capital (PsyCap) — the positive psychological state composed of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism — may play a critical moderating role in helping individuals navigate these transformations. This study synthesizes existing literature on AI adoption and workplace well-being, examines empirical findings relating PsyCap and employee outcomes in AI-impacted settings, and develops a conceptual model with propositions about how PsyCap interacts with AI adoption to influence stress, job satisfaction, job performance, turnover intention, and well-being. Findings indicate that higher levels of PsyCap are associated with lower job stress, better job satisfaction, and with more positive perceptions of AI adoption. However, effects vary depending on the visibility of AI, employee training, job security, and organizational transparency. The article concludes with recommendations for organizations to foster PsyCap through training, leadership, participative AI deployment, and support systems, as well as suggestions for future empirical work including longitudinal designs.