Aligning with SDG 8: Addressing Antecedents of Healthcare Workers' Performance in Indonesia

Objective: This study examines interpersonal attraction's influence on workplace romance. Furthermore, the study aims to see how the healthcare workers performance is impacted by workplace romance, particularly in Indonesia. It also explores the mediating role of affective commitment foci in this influence. Theoretical Framework: The study builds on theories of interpersonal attraction, workplace romance, employee performance, and affective commitment foci theory. Its goal is to investigate how interpersonal attraction influences workplace romance and how workplace romance influences employee performance of healthcare workers directly and indirectly through affective commitment foci. Method: The methodology used in this research is a quantitative method. The study analyzed data gathered from 227 healthcare workers from 6 (six) hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM PLS). Results and Discussion: The study’s findings indicate that romance at work is positively impacted by interpersonal attraction. Employee performance is also positively impacted by workplace romance. Affective commitment foci are positively impacted by workplace romance. Furthermore, the impact of workplace romance on employee performance is mediated by affective commitment foci. According to the test results, the mediating role in this study falls within the category of partial mediation. Research Implications: The findings reveal that hospital management suggests that Professional management of interpersonal relationships (2), implementation of a balanced workplace romance policy (3), strengthening affective commitment to the organization (4) conducting training and psychosocial assistance in the workplace. Meanwhile, the implications for future research are suggested to expand the sample to hospitals in other regions (both in Indonesia and abroad) with different organizational culture characteristics, and to examine other variables such as workplace conflict, job satisfaction, or turnover intention that may be relevant in the dynamics of workplace romance. Originality/Value: This research provides new insights into the role of interpersonal attraction, workplace romance, and affective commitment foci in sharpening healthcare workers' performance in hospitals. This study aligns with SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) by enhancing the management of human resources in hospitals to improve their employability performance.