Effects of negative career shocks on employees’ emotional exhaustion and career navigation: examining the role of negative affect and agile learning

Purpose In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, employees, mainly in the hospitality sector, are increasingly vulnerable to experiencing career shocks, which can negatively impact their mental health and career sustainability. This study aims to examine the direct effects of negative career shocks on emotional exhaustion and career navigation among employees in this sector as well as its indirect effects through negative affect. Also, this study examines the moderating role of agile learning. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 266 from the hospitality sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A quantitative approach was adopted, and statistical analyses were performed. Findings Negative career shocks in the hospitality sector increase emotional exhaustion, both directly and indirectly through negative affect. They also diminish career navigation indirectly via negative affect, which itself contributes to higher emotional exhaustion and reduced career navigation. Additionally, as a moderator, low agile learning worsens the impact of negative affect on career navigation, making employees less adaptable to career challenges. Practical implications This study offers actionable recommendations for managers and human resource professionals in the hospitality sector, emphasizing strategies to mitigate negative career shocks, reduce emotional exhaustion and enhance career adaptability through agile learning initiatives. Originality/value Research on negative career shocks in the hospitality industry is limited. This study fills the gap by analyzing their impact on employees’ mental health and careers. It provides empirical evidence on how career shocks contribute to emotional exhaustion and hinder career navigation. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of agile learning as a key intervention, highlighting its role in helping hospitality employees adapt to career challenges, an area previously underexplored in research.