From Voice Climate to Work Engagement: Understanding the Mediating Effect of Happiness at Work

Abstract

Employee engagement has become a critical factor in enhancing organizational effectiveness, particularly in the higher education sector. The present study examines the impact of voice climate on employee work engagement, with a specific focus on the mediating role of happiness at work. Drawing on the Job Demands– Resources (JD-R) model, this study proposes that voice climate acts as an organizational resource that enhances engagement both directly and indirectly through employees’ emotional well-being. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 207 employees working in higher education institutions. The data were analyzed using correlation, regression, and PROCESS macro (Model 4) for mediation. The results revealed that voice climate has a significant positive effect on employee work engagement. Furthermore, happiness at work was found to partially mediate the relationship between voice climate and engagement. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive framework that integrates organizational climate, psychological well-being, and job demands in explaining employee engagement. The findings offer practical implications for management in fostering a supportive voice climate, enhancing employee happiness to improve engagement levels.

Keywords: Voice Climate, Happiness at Work, Employee Work Engagement, Higher Education, JD-R Model.