Theoretical foundation for integrating employee proficiency in job demands-resources theory

Purpose Job demands-resources (JD-R) theory explains how job demands and job resources influence work engagement, exhaustion and performance. The theory primarily focuses on job characteristics and does not incorporate individual characteristics, e.g. employee’s inherent knowledge, skills and abilities, which directly deal with job demands and foster well-being and performance. This study aims to address this limitation by expanding the JD-R model by integrating employee proficiency (J-BASK) into it as a distinct component to recognise its role in workplace well-being and performance. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual study draws on existing literature to provide a theoretical foundation for expansion of the JD-R model. By synthesising prior research, this study explores the implications of incorporating employee proficiency (J-BASK) into the JD-R framework and its influence on exhaustion, engagement and performance. Findings This study highlights that employee proficiency (J-BASK) is a crucial but overlooked factor in the JD-R framework. By integrating J-BASK, the JD-R model becomes more comprehensive in understanding how J-BASK responds to job demands and resources and influence exhaustion, engagement and performance. Originality/value This study contributes to JD-R theory advancement by presenting theoretical foundation for its expansion to address a critical gap in explaining workplace well-being and performance. The conceptual model positions employee proficiency (J-BASK) as an integral component of the JD-R framework distinct from job characteristics to include individual characteristics. This study offers directions for future research to validate the expanded JD-R model and explore its practical applications across sectors and settings.