O engajamento profissional no trabalho intermitente

Abstract

The present study investigates work engagement in the context of intermittent work in Brazil, a form of employment characterized by the provision of non-continuous services with alternating periods of work and inactivity, introduced by the 2017 Labor Reform. The main objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence the work engagement of intermittent workers. To this end, the study examines the factors affecting engagement, with a particular focus on job demands and job resources. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational research design was adopted to examine the relationship between work engagement and the job demands and resources associated with intermittent work. The case study was conducted in the city of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil, whose economy is primarily driven by the service, commerce, and industrial sectors. The study population consisted of workers holding active intermittent employment contracts in the city. Data were collected using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). The results revealed a predominance of moderate levels of work engagement among participants, with the dedication dimension showing the highest scores and absorption the lowest. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found between the organizations investigated, with one organization exhibiting higher levels of vigor, dedication, absorption, and overall work engagement, indicating the influence of the organizational context on employee engagement. Among the sociodemographic variables, educational attainment and income were significantly associated with work engagement, whereas gender and length of employment showed no statistically significant differences. The findings suggest that work engagement in intermittent employment is primarily influenced by organizational factors and working conditions, highlighting the importance of management practices that foster job resources, recognition, and professional development, while also acknowledging the challenges and vulnerabilities inherent in this employment arrangement.