Enhancing Employee Engagement Through Caring HR Practices and a Supportive Organizational Climate: Perspectives from Female Employees in a Male-Dominated Workplace

A male-dominated work environment often poses distinct challenges for female employees. Within this setting, it becomes essential for organizations to implement supportive human resource (HR) practices and cultivate an organizational climate that encourages employee engagement. This study seeks to: (1) explore female employees' perceptions of HR practices designed to support their well-being; (2) examine how they experience the organizational climate and the extent to which they feel acknowledged in a masculine workplace; and (3) analyze how caring HR practices and a positive organizational climate contribute to fostering employee engagement from the perspective of female employees. Adopting a qualitative approach, this research collected data through interviews with ten female employees working in a masculine environment at PLN Indonesia Power. The results show that female employee engagement at PLN Indonesia Power is influenced by supportive HR practices management such as training and development, work-life balance, career development, participation in decision-making, and health and well-being. These practices enhance feelings of support, appreciation, and motivation. These practices promote a sense of support, value, and motivation among employees. The study identifies three core dimensions of engagement vigor, absorption, and dedication which are further reinforced by challenge-based motivation and the company’s recognition of employee performance.