Skills, human capital and well-being: interdependent levers for organizational innovation

Chaimae Qnais, Malika Akioud

In today's globalized and highly competitive environment, organizational innovation emerges as a strategic imperative for organizational sustainability and performance. This study explores the interdependent links between competence, human capital, well-being, and innovation, highlighting the mediating role of knowledge. Through a mixed methodological approach combining an in-depth literature review and an empirical questionnaire study, this research demonstrates that competency development within human capital is a determining factor for the emergence of organizational innovation. The results, however, reveal a significant paradox: although organizations recognize the strategic importance of innovation, they underinvest in skills development and workplace well-being. The study highlights an integrated model where knowledge serves as the foundation for competencies, which in turn fuel innovation, creating a virtuous cycle that strengthens professional well-being. The managerial implications underscore the need to adopt a holistic approach to human capital development, integrating continuous training, knowledge management, and well-being promotion as complementary levers for innovation.