The Role of Work-Life Balance and Meaningful Work on Intention to Stay with Career Adaptability as a Mediator

Authors

  • Agung Santoso Pribadi Doctoral Program in Human Resource Development, Postgraduate School, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya - Indonesia
  • Erna Setijaningrum Doctoral Program in Human Resource Development, Postgraduate School, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya - Indonesia
  • Mohammad Fakhruddin Mudzakir Doctoral Program in Human Resource Development, Postgraduate School, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya - Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26623/philanthropy.v10i1.14233

Keywords:

work-life balance, meaningful work, career adaptability, intention to stay

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of work-life balance and meaningful work on intention to stay, with career adaptability as a mediating variable. The study used a quantitative approach with a survey method of 250 service sector employees in Indonesia. The data analysis technique used Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results showed that work-life balance and meaningful work had a positive and significant effect on career adaptability and intention to stay. β = 0.25 (WLB → ITS) β = 0.30 (MW → ITS) β = 0.40 (WLB → CA) β = 0.35 (MW → CA) In addition, career adaptability also has a significant effect on intention to stay β = 0.28 CA → ITS and it is proven that career adaptability mediates work-life balance on intention to stay β indirect = 0.40 × 0.28 = 0.112 (WLB → CA → ITS) and meaningful work on intention to stay β indirect = 0.35 × 0.28 = 0.098 MW → CA → ITS The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.71) shows that the model has strong explanatory power, while the predictive relevance value (Q² > 0) indicates the model has good predictive ability. This finding confirms that work-life balance and job meaning are important factors in increasing employee retention by strengthening career adaptability.

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Published

2026-06-26

How to Cite

Pribadi, A. S., Setijaningrum, E., & Mudzakir, M. F. (2026). The Role of Work-Life Balance and Meaningful Work on Intention to Stay with Career Adaptability as a Mediator. Philanthropy: Journal of Psychology, 10(1), 114-131. https://doi.org/10.26623/philanthropy.v10i1.14233