To What Extent Do Psychological Factors Impact Work Engagement Among Malaysian Employees?

Caryn Mei Hsien Chan, Jyh Eiin Wong, Wee Lei Hum, Nor Aini Jamil, Lena Yap, Yogarabindranath Swarna Nantha

Research output: Contribution to journalMeeting Abstract

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Psychological wellbeing is important because of its direct bearing on psychological connectedness or work engagement. We set out to
determine levels of work engagement and to identify the psychological factors that predict it. METHODS: A total of 5,235 adults participated in a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based health survey in Malaysia. Work engagement was assessed with the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). Higher UWES mean scores indicate greater levels of work engagement.Psychological distress was assessed using the 6-item Kessler scale (K6; cutoff score ≥13, score range 0-24.Higher K6 scores indicate greater psychological distress.
A multiple linear regression was performed to determine predictors of work engagement. RESULTS: A female preponderance was observed (n=3,259, 62.3%).
Participant age ranged from 18 to 85 years (mean±SD:33.88±8.83). The mean work engagement score on the UWES-9 was 3.53 (SD±0.94). A total of 11 out of 18 variables on a multiple regression predicted work engagement, F(18, 4925) = 69.02, p<0.001, R2=0.201. Factors that predicted higher work engagement were age, marital status, education level, job type, job permanency, longer sleep length, lower psychological distress and no history of workplace bullying. DISCUSSION: Inadequate sleep, the presence of psychological distress and a history of work bullying were among key factors associated with poorer work engagement among Malaysian employees. All three are modifiable factors
which can be targeted to improve work engagement
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51
Number of pages1
JournalMedical Journal of Malaysia
Volume74
Issue numberSuppl 2
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes
EventAsia-Pacific Conference on Public Health 2019: Urbanisation Challenges for Health - Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 22 Jul 201925 Jul 2019
Conference number: 6th

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