A Study on the Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Employee Engagement in Hybrid Work Environment

The shift to hybrid work models has remarked a change in employee engagement which in turn has made it necessary to develop new ways to maintain motivation and collaboration in hybrid work settings. Emotional intelligence EI has come forth as a weighty factor in job flexibility, in terms of interpersonal relationships and total engagement. This research examines the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on workers' engagement in the hybrid work model with specific focus on the information technology sector. With a mixed-methods approach, primary data was obtained through structured questionnaires based on established instruments—the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), complemented by secondary data from industry reports. Purposive sampling was employed to pinpoint for IT workers engaged in hybrid jobs, giving a total of 311 responses. Factor analysis revealed two significant EI factors: social-emotional engagement and intrapersonal self-perception. Emotional intelligence factors account for 43% of worker engagement, as regression research finds (R²=0.430). The study signifies applying EI-cantered leadership strategies, training interventions, and digital well-being programs to boost participation. These results are important for HR Managers and organisational managers wishing to build emotionally resilient and engaged workforces. Keywords: Employee Engagement, Emotional Intelligence, IT Industry, Hybrid Work, Organisational Culture.