Definition of Work Engagement (WE)

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Work engagement (WE) is an important topic and there is a lot of scholarly research that examines it in organizations. There are diverse definitions of employee work engagement in the workplace. I use the following definition:

Work engagement (WE) is defined as a “positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption” [1]. Consequently, work engagement focuses on the relationships between an employee and their work [2]. It is a more “persistent” and “pervasive” state of mind, rather than a “momentary” and “specific” state not centred on any specific thing, incident, person, or way of behaving [3]. Vigour, dedication and absorption are central to the way work engagement is defined.

The definitions of vigour, dedication and absorption are the following: “Vigor is characterized by high levels of energy and mental resilience while working, the willingness to invest effort in one’s work, and persistence even in the face of difficulties. Dedication is characterized by a sense of significance, enthusiasm, inspiration, pride, and challenge” [4]. “The final dimension of absorption is characterized by being fully concentrated and deeply engrossed in one’s work, whereby time passes quickly, and one has difficulties with detaching oneself from work” [5].

Based on this definition, dedication is not simply involvement, it is more than that, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Moreover, absorption is not the same as “flow,” although it is similar, since it is a more “pervasive” and “persistent” state of mind, rather than a specific “short-term” experience [6].