Increasing Productivity of Gen Z Employees: The Role of Flexible Work Arrangements and Participative Style

Orientation: Employee productivity is affected by various social and psychological variables. Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) and participative styles are expected to influence employee productivity. Research purpose: This study examined the effects of FWAs and participative style on the productivity of Generation Z (Gen Z) employees and tested the mediating role of emotional engagement. Motivation: Gen Z workers value freedom and flexibility; this study provides empirical evidence on factors that increase Gen Z productivity. Approach: Explanatory, quantitative survey of 259 Indonesian Gen Z IT employees using purposive sampling; data analysed with structural equation modelling (IBM AMOS 26). Main findings: FWAs, participative style, and emotional engagement affect productivity through direct and indirect paths, but FWAs do not significantly affect emotional engagement. Practical implications: Organisations should develop FWA systems and increase employee participation to strengthen emotional engagement and indirectly improve productivity. Contribution: Focuses on Gen Z, supporting the view that this cohort prefers flexible work while maintaining productivity.