Artificial intelligence and well-being in Ibero–American organisations: trends, gaps and opportunities in happiness management research (2021–2025)

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to systematically analyse the state of knowledge on happiness management and workplace well-being in Ibero–America during 2021–2025, within a context shaped by the post-pandemic period, accelerated digitalisation and the advance of technologies based on artificial intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The search was carried out in Web of Science using a bilingual search equation focused on happiness management, workplace happiness, emotional salary and workplace well-being. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied (period 2021–2025; journal papers; English, Spanish and Portuguese; Ibero–American context; and full-text availability), along with an additional criterion of geographical balance. The final sample comprised 15 papers, which were analysed from both bibliometric and thematic perspectives.

Findings The evidence indicates that the field in Ibero–America is in a process of consolidation, with a concentration of scholarly output in Mexico, Spain and Portugal, and a predominance of cross-sectional quantitative studies using surveys and Likert-type scales, alongside a growing use of multivariate techniques (e.g. structural equation modelling). Thematically, the studies focus on determinants of workplace well-being and happiness and their relationship with performance, innovation and retention; and the integration of happiness management as a managerial approach linked to intangible resources (emotional salary, organisational justice and mental health). Regional, methodological (scarcity of longitudinal designs and mixed methods) and theoretical integration gaps persist.

Originality/value It provides an up-to-date regional synthesis (2021–2025) that identifies patterns, thematic cores and gaps, and proposes a future agenda featuring emerging constructs such as “happy salary” and “digital happiness”, as well as the need for culturally adapted instruments for Ibero–American contexts.