Employee Engagement in the Modern Workplace
Employee engagement is a critical concept within HRM referring to the emotional, mental, and behavioral commitment employees have towards their organization (Kahn, 1990). In modern workplaces, engagement is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of productivity, innovation, and organizational performance (Saks, 2006). However, its practical application varies significantly across contexts, particularly in developing economies such as Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, employee engagement has become more challenging due to recent economic instability, inflation, and job insecurity. The economic crisis has increased financial stress among employees, leading to reduced motivation and higher turnover intentions (World Bank, 2023). Many skilled workers are also seeking opportunities abroad, creating talent shortages in key industries (ILO, 2022). As a result, organizations are under pressure not only to retain employees but also to maintain their commitment and performance. Figure 1: Cycle of ...