Job demand intensification and job satisfaction: engagement as a mediator

BackgroundNew psychosocial risks that challenge employees’ well-being and performance. This study investigates the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between job demand intensification and job satisfaction, while accounting for job insecurity and work, family conflict as antecedents among Chilean workers.MethodsData were collected from 420 employees in Chile in various economic sectors (62.1% women, 37.9% men; M age = 42.4, SD = 10.73) using validated instruments. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model.ResultsJob insecurity and work-to-family conflict significantly predicted job demand intensification. Engagement mediated the relationship between job demand intensification and job satisfaction, generating a positive indirect effect; in addition, job demand intensification showed a direct positive association with job satisfaction. Engagement emerged as a key motivational mechanism that channels intensified demands into greater satisfaction.ConclusionOur findings advance the understanding of engagement as a mediating mechanism between job demand intensification and job satisfaction among Chilean workers. They highlight the organizational relevance of reducing job insecurity and work, family conflict, as well as fostering job conditions that sustain engagement under intensified work demands. These insights support the development of preventive and proactive initiatives to promote healthier work environments.