An analysis of the relationship between flexible work, emotional exhaustion and engagement of workers

Human resources management has been modernized and, among the most modern practices adopted by organizations, it is worth highlighting the flexibility of the work arrangements. However, there is still no clarity about the impact that this practice has on all dimensions of human behavior at work. In view of this scenario, it was defined as objective for this research to analyze the influence of flexible work on the engagement and emotional exhaustion of workers, and the influence of engagement on exhaustion. To reach the proposed objective, a survey was carried out in the cities of Mariana, Ouro Branco and Ouro Preto, all located in the State of Minas Gerais. For the analysis of the data, were executed a Structural Equation Modeling. Analyzing the results obtained, it was not possible to confirm the influence of the adoption of flexible working arrangements by the organizations on the degree of engagement and exhaustion of the employees. On the other hand, the tested relationship between worker engagement and exhaustion was confirmed. Therefore, the results indicate that the most engaged professionals are less likely to experience greater emotional exhaustion in their work activities. Thus, it is concluded that individuals who mobilize their best efforts and see work as a way of expressing themselves physically, emotionally and cognitively, showing willingness to perform their tasks, tend to preserve (and not drain) their mental resources.