A systematic review of the literature on work engagement and learning agility in increasing Generation Z employee loyalty

Authors

  • Syarifah Hanim Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta
  • Awang Ringko Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta
  • Alimatus Sahrah Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26418/j-psh.v16i3.102153

Keywords:

Employee loyalty, Employee retention, Generation Z, Learning agility, Work engagement

Abstract

This study conducts an in-depth exploration of work engagement and learning agility contributions in strengthening Generation Z employee loyalty through a systematic literature review approach covering the 2021-2025 publication period. The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology with PRISMA protocol was applied to analyze 13 peer-reviewed journal articles extracted from academic repositories including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Selection criteria encompassed empirical publications exploring a minimum of two out of three core variables with a focus on samples or specific discussions regarding Generation Z characteristics. Findings indicate that work engagement, particularly in the emotional engagement aspect, demonstrates significant dominance in Gen Z employee retention with a coefficient value of β = 0.68. Learning agility is identified as playing a mediating mechanism role that connects organizational capabilities with manifestations of workforce innovative behavior. Gen Z loyalty characteristics are conditional and value-oriented, with primary determinants including job satisfaction, work-life balance, work motivation, and employer branding. Holistic integration of both constructs reveals effectiveness superiority compared to conventional paradigms. The research produces a Generational Loyalty Framework that underscores purpose-driven work, emotional connection, and continuous learning as essential foundations of Gen Z loyalty. Applicative implications encompass formulation of meaningful engagement strategies, development of experiential learning-based agility programs, and adoption of flexible work arrangements to optimize digital era talent retention

Author Biographies

Syarifah Hanim, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology

Awang Ringko, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology

Alimatus Sahrah, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology

References

Azmy, A. (2021). The Effect of Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction on Workforce Agility Through Talent Management in Public Transportation Companies. Media Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 36 (2), 212. https://doi.org/10.24856/mem.v36i2.2190

Desideria, O. R. (2024). The Influence of Reward Systems and Work-Life Balance on Generation Z Employee Loyalty. Tambusai Education Journal, 8, 48378–48385.

Dinillah, M. N. L., & Desiana, P. M. (2025). Learning Agility and Inclusive Leadership on Innovative Work Behavior: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement and Job Autonomy in Platform-Based Companies. Indonesian Interdisciplinary Journal of Sharia Economics (IIJSE), 8(1), 1466–1485.

Faupel, N. B., & Kantasalmi, A. (2022). Are SME-sized Organizations Able to Retain Talents of Generation Z? May. https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=9083245&fileOId=9083252

Ganguli, R., & Padhy, S. C. (2023). Moderating Effect of Demographic Factors on the Relationship Between Work Motivation and Employee Retention of Gen Z. NMIMS Management Review, 31 (2), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.1177/09711023231197819

Hendriana, E., Christoper, A., Zain, H. O. A., & Pricilia, N. (2023). The Role of Employer Branding in Work-life Balance and Employee Retention Relationship among Generation Z Workers: Mediation or Moderation? Jurnal Manajemen Teori Dan Terapan| Journal of Theory and Applied Management, 16 (1), 124–143. https://doi.org/10.20473/jmtt.v16i1.41703

Jo, Y., & Hong, A. J. (2022). Impact of Agile Learning on Innovative Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model of Employee Engagement and Perceived Organizational Support. Frontiers in Psychology, 13 (June), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.900830

Nayak, L., Malik, P., Meher, J. R., & Patel, G. (2025). Developing competencies of Gen Z: role of organizational learning culture and learning agility. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-06-2024-0276

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2022). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Pan American Journal of Public Health, 46 . https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2022.112

Patricia, J., Sumbaga, M. F., & Mulia, B. (2024). The Relationship between Learning Agility and Work Engagement on Organizational Commitment among the Strawberry Generation. 23(1), 103–114.

Priya, A. S., & Christopher, B. P. (2025). Exploring the role of organizational learning culture in the relationship between teamwork self-efficacy and employee satisfaction: Insights from the Indian IT sector across generations – an application of PLS predict. Intangible Capital, 21 (2), 265–289. https://doi.org/10.3926/ic.3171

Saptarini, N. I., & Mustika, M. D. (2023). Workforce Agility and Adaptive Performance in Government Institutions: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement. Journal of Management and Entrepreneurship, 25 (1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.9744/jmk.25.1.55-62

Syal, A., Rosnani, T., Daud, I., Christiana, M., Kalis, I., & Hendri, M. I. (2024). The influence of reward, work-life balance on employee retention: The mediating effect of Job satisfaction Generation Z employees in West Kalimantan. Exsys.Iocspublisher.Org, 7 (1), 270–279. http://exsys.iocspublisher.org/index.php/JMAS/article/view/384

Tathavadekar, V. P., & Mahankale, N. R. (2025). Next-Generation Human Resource Management: Transforming Organizational Strategy for Generation Z Workforce Integration through Digital Innovation and Employee-Centric Approaches. 1–9.

Titanicko, T., & Pangaribuan, C. H. (2025). Investigating The Nexus of Job Satisfaction, Transformational Leadership, and Employee Loyalty on Gen-Z Employees: Evidence from Jakarta. Advances In Social Humanities Research, 3 (5), 4299–4437. https://doi.org/10.46799/adv.v3i5.441

Tripathi, A. (2024). Organizational Learning Culture and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Learning Agility. Vikalpa, 49 (2), 129–142. https://doi.org/10.1177/02560909241254996

Vincent, V., & Tamba, I. F. U. (2022). Level of Employee Loyalty from Generation Z. Almana: Journal of Management and Business, 6 (2), 249–257. https://doi.org/10.36555/almana.v6i2.1799

Wibaselppa, A., Santosa, T. A., Batjo, S. N., Fauzi, R. U. A., Nugraha, A. R., Sinaga, H. D. E., & Wulandari, A. S. R. (2025). The Role of Employee Engagement in Increasing Millennial and Gen Z Employee Retention. RIGGS: Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Business, 4 (2), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.31004/riggs.v4i2.450

Wongprasurt, S., & Lee, W. S. (2024). The Comparison of Factors Affecting Employee Loyalty of Generations X, Y and Z in Bangkok’s Hotel and Restaurant Industries. ASEAN Journal on Hospitality and Tourism, 22 (3), 310–325. https://doi.org/10.5614/ajht.2024.22.3.05

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2026-02-21