The State Of Employee Engagement Research: Current Trends And Future Directions From The Bibliometric Lens

Abstract

Employee engagement has emerged as a prominent focus in organisational research due to its substantial influence on productivity and organisational effectiveness. Despite the breadth of existing literature, notable gaps remain in understanding the multidimensional nature of engagement across diverse organisational contexts. This study aims to (1) analyse publication trends and the temporal evolution of employee engagement research, (2) identify influential authors, institutions, and countries, (3) map dominant research themes and intellectual structures, and (4) highlight emerging issues and future research directions. Using a bibliometric approach, this study systematically examines employee engagement scholarship published between 2014 and 2024. Guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, the findings underscore the central role of leadership, organisational culture, and sustainable practices in shaping engagement outcomes. Emerging themes— including digital transformation, gig-economy dynamics, and cross-cultural variations—reflect the evolving complexity of engagement in modern workplaces. A key limitation of this study is its reliance on a single database (Lens.org), which may restrict the breadth of retrieved publications. Future research should incorporate multiple databases, employ mixed-methods reviews, and conduct longitudinal or cross-cultural empirical studies to deepen insights into engagement’s antecedents and consequences. This study provides a robust platform for advancing theory and practice in employee engagement.