Towards a model of perceived sustainable employability: antecedents and consequences in the workplace

Purpose The purpose of this article is to develop a model of perceived sustainable employability (SE) by integrating as antecedents and consequents a set of contextual factors related to the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Based on a sample of 202 university professionally oriented master's students, instruments to measure each of the identified factors are first validated. Then, a model of perceived SE is contrasted by considering the contextual aspects related to the link that the worker has with his or her job. Findings Results show that work ability, followed by life–work interference and health and well-being culture, are key antecedents of individual’ perceived SE. Results also indicate that perceived SE is related to the positive work outcomes and attitudes of task performance, job satisfaction and work engagement, while the relationship with absenteeism has not been found to be significant. Originality/value Based on ability-motivation-opportunity and job demands–resources frameworks, the study proposes and tests empirically a model that considers antecedents and consequences of perceived SE among young people at the beginning of their career path – an area where, as far as we know, there are no conceptual or empirical studies that consider both antecedents and consequences and literature focused on older workers. This allows us not only to know which variables influence the perceived SE, but also how it can influence work-related outcomes. The results highlight the need to invest in SE-related practices that lead to improved organisational outcomes.