Although research has shown that the use of high-performance work systems (HPWS) is associated with
employee outcomes, our knowledge of the meanings employees attach to HPWS systems and how these
shape employee outcomes is still limited. This study examines the signalling impact of enacted HPWS
on HR well-being and HR performance attributions, and how these influence happiness- and
health-related outcomes. Using multilevel data (1,065 employees nested within 150 work units) obtained
from multiple sources (line managers and employees), our results show that coverage of HPWS was
positively associated with the two HR attributions. In addition, HR well-being attributions were
associated with higher levels of commitment and lower levels of job strain. HR performance attributions
were associated with higher levels of job strain. The findings of this study highlight the importance of
taking into account how employees attach meaning to enacted HPWS in order to predict employee
outcomes.