How work engagement relates to performance and absenteeism: a meta-analysis

Both researchers and practitioners agree that having highly engaged employees results in individuals and organizations reaping various positive consequences related to performance and absenteeism. However, available research syntheses date from the early years of this line of research, thus cover only a small fraction (under 10%) of the available studies. The present meta-analysis updates the results of work engagement and its three facets (vigour, dedication, and absorption) on task performance and includes a substantial number of studies on absenteeism with separate analyses of longitudinal studies. A total of 179 unique correlations representing an overall sample size of N = 139,182 was examined, confirming and enhancing a positive association between work engagement and task performance (rho = .483) and a negative association between work engagement and absenteeism (rho = -.171). The three facets of engagement had similar effects on performance, but only vigour and dedication correlated significantly negatively with absenteeism. Work engagement is linked positively to future task performance and negatively to future absenteeism. The influence of several methodical moderators is examined. Finally, we discuss how these findings can inform research and practice in order to contribute to a more effective and healthy work environment for employees.

Automated summary

This meta-analysis found that work engagement is positively associated with task performance and negatively associated with absenteeism. The facets of vigor and dedication were significantly negatively correlated with absenteeism, while work engagement was positively linked to future task performance. These findings can inform research and practice to create a more effective and healthy work environment for employees.