Balancing Retention: the Role of Co-Worker’s Relationship and Professional Development in Shaping Job Satisfaction Among Young Workers in Medellín

Purpose: Job satisfaction among young employees is crucial for organizations, as it positively influences productivity and well-being. This study explores the factors associated with job satisfaction among employees aged 20 to 30 in organizations in Medellín-Colombia. Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected from 400 young employees across various organizations in Medellín, a pilot test ensured the reliability of the instrument using Cronbach’s Alpha. A CUB model was used to identify key factors affecting job satisfaction. Findings: Professional development (PD) and workload (WL) appeared as significant factors influencing both job satisfaction and the intention to stay, while Leadership quality persepction of superiors (LQ) lacked individual statistical significance, they contributed to the overall model's significance. Practical implications: Organizations should foster professional development and manage workloads effectively to reduce turnover among employees aged 20 to 30. Originality/value: Although job satisfaction has been widely studied, little attention has been given to young employees. This research bridges that gap by analyzing the social-psychological factors influencing their job satisfaction and intention to stay, offering insights for HR managers and organizational leaders.