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

TL;DR

This study addresses the problem of understanding well-being among software engineers by applying a cross-country mixed-methods design that combines 15 Sweden-based interviews with a global survey (n=76). Grounded in a bioecological perspective, it identifies five qualitative themes (personal conception of well-being; personal and collaborative factors; support and recognition; work environment and culture; challenges and stressors) and corroborates them with quantitative patterns on demographics, Perceived support, EEDI, and workload. The paper contributes a nuanced, cross-cultural view of how individual practices, team dynamics, organizational culture, and external pressures shape SE well-being, and offers policy recommendations such as flexible work policies, improved management practices, and targeted wellbeing programs. The findings have practical implications for organizations seeking sustainable, inclusive, and productive software teams and for researchers aiming to integrate cross-national perspectives into workplace well-being research.

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.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: Themes and sub-themes identified in the interviews.
• Figure 2: Respondent's positions.
• Figure 3: Overall well-being of respondents.
• Figure 4: Diverging stacked bar chart showing results in percentage (%) from the Likert scale survey questions (n = 76).
• Figure 5: Answers about EEDI promotion in companies.