Advances in Human Resource Management Research
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): February - May

Servant Leadership and Employee Engagement Among Generation Z: Examining the Mediating Role of Mental Well-Being

Mahendra Fakhri (Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia)
Anita Silvianita (Telkom University, Bandung, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the influence of servant leadership on employee engagement among Generation Z employees and to investigate whether mental well-being mediates the relationship between servant leadership and employee engagement. Research Design and Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 148 Generation Z employees in Jakarta, Indonesia. Respondents were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings and Discussion: The results indicate that servant leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement. However, mental well-being does not significantly mediate the relationship between servant leadership and employee engagement. These findings suggest that Generation Z employees are more responsive to leadership behaviors characterized by support, empowerment, and service orientation than to their psychological well-being in developing workplace engagement. The results further demonstrate that servant leadership directly strengthens employee engagement without relying on improvements in mental well-being. Implications: Organizations should strengthen servant leadership competencies through leadership development initiatives that emphasize empathy, empowerment, and employee support. Although mental well-being was not a significant mediator, organizations should continue promoting employee psychological health to support workforce sustainability. Originality: This study challenges the assumption that mental well-being is a necessary mechanism linking servant leadership and employee engagement among Generation Z employees.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

AHRMR

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Founded in 2023, Advances in Human Resource Management Research publishes original research that promises to advance our understanding of Human Resource Management over diverse topics and research methods. This Journal welcomes research of significance across a wide range of primary and applied ...