Purpose-This study examines the dynamic relationships among skill variety, agentic work behaviors, and thriving at work, exploring how skill variety fosters a positive resource cycle in the workplace through reciprocal effects. Design/methodology/approach-A longitudinal study was conducted with three survey waves, spaced one month apart, involving employees from a food baking enterprise in southern China. Cross-lagged analysis was employed to investigate the reciprocal relationships between skill variety, agentic work behaviors, and thriving at work. Findings-The results indicate that skill variety positively predicts agentic work behaviors, which subsequently enhance thriving at work. A reciprocal relationship was also found, whereby thriving at work further promotes agentic work behaviors, supporting the existence of a positive gain spiral over time. These findings highlight the role of skill variety in sustaining and enhancing employee thriving through proactive work behaviors. Research limitations/implications-The sample’s predominance of female employees from a specific industry may limit the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the three-wave design constrains the depth of temporal analysis. Future research should include more gender-diverse samples, explore various industries, and use longer study periods to capture comprehensive resource dynamics. Practical implications-Organizations can leverage job design to enhance employee thriving by increasing skill variety and fostering agentic work behaviors. Practical measures include targeted training programs and developmental workshops that broaden employees' skill sets and encourage proactive engagement, promoting sustainable employee development and performance. Originality/value-This study enriches the understanding of the interplay between job characteristics and thriving, demonstrating how skill variety acts as a catalyst for a positive resource cycle. The findings provide actionable insights for organizations seeking to improve employee well-being and performance through strategic job design.
