International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science
Vol. 7 No. 4 (2026): International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science (Jul

Optimizing Generation Z Employee Performance Through Soft Skills, Hard Skills, And Work–Life Balance: The Mediating Role Of Job Satisfaction At PT Bank Riau Kepri Syariah, Riau Province

Sri Indrastuti (Universitas Islam Riau, Indonesia)
Gilang Nugroho (Universitas Islam Riau, Indonesia)
Amries Rusli Tanjung (Institut Bisnis dan Teknologi Pelita, Indonesia)
Fuji Dwi Citra Resmi (Universitas Islam Riau, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effects of soft skills, hard skills, and work–life balance on the performance of Generation Z employees, with job satisfaction serving as an intervening variable, at PT Bank Riau Kepri Syariah, Riau Province. This research employed a quantitative approach, with data collected through a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with the assistance of SmartPLS software. The results indicate that hard skills and work–life balance have a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction, whereas soft skills do not have a significant effect. Furthermore, soft skills and job satisfaction have a positive and significant effect on employee performance, while hard skills and work–life balance do not have a direct significant effect on employee performance. The mediation analysis reveals that job satisfaction mediates the effects of hard skills and work–life balance on employee performance but does not mediate the effect of soft skills. These findings suggest that improving hard skills and implementing an effective work–life balance should be supported by enhanced job satisfaction to improve the performance of Generation Z employees. Therefore, organizations are encouraged to strengthen employees' soft skills through training programs, teamwork development, and emotional intelligence enhancement.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijesss

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Science (abbreviated as IJESSS) p-ISSN 2720-9644 and e-ISSN 2721-0871 is a multidisciplinary journal covering all aspects of the environmental impacts of socio-economic development. The International Journal of Environmental, ...