Open Access Journal of Economic Research
ISSN: 3065-9035 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-9035
Hanzis A
As hybrid work models become increasingly prevalent, understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive employee performance in flexible work environments has become essential. Despite extensive research on motivation and engagement, limited empirical attention has been given to job satisfaction as a mediating mechanism that explains how or why motivation translates into improved performance. Drawing on data from employees in a Greek FMCG organization experimenting with hybrid work arrangements (N = 222), this study employs Structural Equation Modeling to examine the differential effects of employee motivation on job satisfaction and job performance. The findings reveal that employee motivation significantly enhances individual performance. Motivation also exerts a strong positive effect on job satisfaction, which in turn, positively predicts job performance and partially mediates the relationship between motivation and performance. Notably, the results highlight a substantial indirect effect of job satisfaction on performance through motivation, suggesting that job satisfaction strong performance outcomes. functions as an upstream psychological resource that fuels motivational energy—an effect that may be amplified in hybrid work contexts. Although the model explains 92% of the variance in job performance, model fit indicate that additional contextual or organizational variables may be needed to fully capture the complexity of employee experiences in hybrid work arrangements. Nevertheless, the robustness of the structural paths underscores the theoretical and practical relevance of the identified relationships. Overall, the study emphasizes the foundational role of job satisfaction in shaping motivational processes and sustaining high performance in hybrid work settings. Organizations that invest in employee well�??being, meaningful work, and conditions that support intrinsic motivation may be better positioned to leverage the benefits of hybrid work and maintain strong performance outcomes.