Harnessing the power of Peer Support at the workplace: Pointers from a Systematic Literature Review

Employee well-being has become a growing concern for organizations, prompting the need for proactive workplace support mechanisms. Peer support programs (PSPs) have emerged as a promising yet underexplored approach to promoting employee well-being, particularly in addressing workplace stress, burnout, and psychological safety. This study employs a systematic literature review to analyze the role of peer support in comparison to other workplace support structures, such as coworker and supervisor support. Using the PRISMA framework, 89 peer-reviewed studies were reviewed to assess the impact of peer support on employee engagement, job satisfaction, and mental well-being. Findings indicate that while coworker support is instrumental in job performance and stress reduction, peer support contributes to a deeper emotional connection and psychological safety. Despite its potential, peer support remains underutilized in organizational settings. This review highlights the need for structured peer support programs and provides practical implications for enhancing workplace well-being through shared lived experiences.