Employee empowerment and job satisfaction in the evolving digital banking workplace

This study explores the interplay between employee empowerment and job satisfaction within the evolving context of the digitalised workplace. By analysing data collected from a representative sample of banking professionals, the study identifies four empowerment dimensions found to significantly enhance job satisfaction: 1) a compelling organisational mission combined with performance-based rewards; 2) autonomy in decision-making; 3) effective delegation of managerial responsibilities; 4) robust inter-departmental communication. On the other hand, excessive standardisation was found to negatively impact job satisfaction as it constrains employee initiative and career growth opportunities. The findings advocate for job enrichment strategies emphasising decentralisation, team-based collaboration, as well as leveraging digital technologies to facilitate communication and agile performance management tactics. The emerging role of digitalisation, and the evolving immersive Metaverse call for enhanced empowerment practices responding to the needs of the modern work environment.