Predictors of work engagement: mood and energy as essential determinants of healthy engagement with work

Burnout, work engagement, and depression have been shown associated in literature. Most common studied models of job demands have found several predictors of mental and physical health in a work environment. However, these studies have overlooked the predictors of work engagement which is a positive state of work style. This study aimed to examine the predictors of work engagement. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that mood and energy at workplaces would predict work engagement. The sample consisted of 120 young employees, with 60 males and 60 females in the age range of 23-35 years from private organizations. They filled three questionnaires – Maslach Burnout Inventory, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and Beck’s Depression Inventory. It was found that depression was negatively associated with burnout and work engagement dimensions. Factors of burnout and work engagement were negatively associated. No gender differences were found for any of the variables. Professional efficacy predicted all domains of work engagement, while depression and cynicism predicted vigor only. Emotional exhaustion predicted dedication and absorption, but not vigor. It was concluded that negative mood is a predictor of only one dimension of work engagement. Energy factor of exhaustion is a strong determinant while the strongest predictor is professional efficacy which has a positive impact on work engagement.