Biopsychosocial and organizational factors explaining professional engagement

Work environments can expose professionals to psychosocial risks affecting mental health, well-being, and engagement. Engagement is key to organizational performance, job satisfaction, and talent retention, and is shaped by individual, organizational, and contextual factors.

The present study is embedded in the Laboratory of Healthy Work Environments (LABPATS) and aims to analyze the relationship between professional engagement, sociodemographic and organizational factors, and personal and lifestyle factors, while considering generational specificities. 8,348 professionals participated in this study, the majority of whom were female (65.1%), aged 18-78 years (M = 44.43; SD = 10.80).

Age, satisfaction with compensation, organizational ethics and values, a healthy psychosocial environment, community engagement, positive health behaviors, and stress management were associated with higher professional engagement. Psychosocial risks and teleworking showed negative associations, varying across generations. Baby Boomers and Generation X emphasize physical conditions, job stability and organizational climate, while Generations Y and Z are more sensitive to psychosocial environments and relationships. Older cohorts prioritize tangible aspects and security, whereas younger generations emphasize workplace relationships and the psychological climate.

Organizations should prioritize healthy and ethical work environments that support mental health and well-being. These findings guide decision-makers and policymakers in developing generation-sensitive interventions that improve professional engagement and sustainability.