This study presents a meta-analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and employee engagement. Engagement is commonly described as comprising vigor, dedication, and absorption—reflecting energy and persistence, enthusiasm and significance, and deep immersion in one's work. High engagement has been linked to numerous positive outcomes, whereas low engagement is associated with reduced motivation and withdrawal behaviors such as absenteeism and turnover.
EI, defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and regulate emotions in oneself and others, may be an important personal resource in sustaining engagement. By helping individuals manage interpersonal demands and regulate negative emotions, EI may allow employees to maintain energy, remain optimistic, and stay mentally present at work. Previous research has identified three distinct EI constructs: performance-based ability EI, self-report ability EI, and mixed-trait EI. EI can be understood as a personal resource within the Job Demands-Resources model, supporting employees in maintaining high engagement under pressure. Although EI has been associated with job performance, its link with engagement has not been systematically synthesized.
To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis consists of 71 studies, 72 samples, and 282 correlations examining EI and engagement. Results revealed a strong positive relationship (ρ = .53, SDρ = .15, 95% CI [.49, .57]). When broken down by EI type, self-report ability EI showed the strongest correlation with engagement (ρ = .54, SDρ = .14, 95% CI [.50, .59]), while mixed EI demonstrated a moderate positive relationship (ρ = .41, SDρ = .24, 95% CI [.18, .63]). Current evidence on performance-based ability EI is limited due to the small number of studies.
Overall, findings suggest that EI is consistently linked to higher engagement at work. These results contribute to understanding how emotional abilities and traits support sustained employee involvement, and they highlight EI as a potential target for organizational efforts to foster engagement.