Leadership Traits Maintaining Work Engagement During Change Negotiations

Abstract

Work engagement, defined as a positive, motivational state of dedication and absorption in one's work, is important for both occupational well-being and for organizational performance. Individuals experiencing work engagement are motivated to develop and voluntarily act in a way that benefits the workplace. From an organizational perspective, work engagement enhances the financial success of an organization and the commitment of its employees. However, during times of organizational change, particularly in restructuring scenarios involving layoffs or redundancies, work engagement is often diminished, which can lead to less well-being and decreased organizational commitment and poor overall performance. This study looks at how leadership can actively maintain employee work engagement during and after change negotiations. It is conducted via an online survey of members of the Finnish Academic Engineers and Architects Association. This study explores how leadership traits can help sustain employee engagement during and after change negotiations. The research utilizes survey data from members of the Finnish Academic Engineers and Architects Association to identify leadership behaviors that support engagement amid uncertainty. Work engagement is found to be closely linked to well-being, which is enhanced by a positive work environment and opportunities for meaningful contribution. Leadership traits fostering clarity, empathy, and recognition play a critical role in maintaining engagement during change negotiations. The study adds to the understanding of employee-centered strategies in order to sustain motivation and commitment. It also offers insights into how leadership can promote organizational resilience during change negotiations and offers practical insights to organizations undergoing change negotiations and wanting to maintain the motivation of the employees throughout. The importance of leadership in maintaining employee engagement is also highlighted by this study.