Relationship between job demands, work engagement, emotional workload and job performance among nurses: A moderated mediation model

Abstract Aim To explore the mediating effect of work engagement and the moderated mediating effect of emotional workload on the relationship between job demands and job performance among nurses. Background Nurses work in a high‐demand situation that could affect their job performance. However, previous studies have reported an inconsistent relationship between job demands and job performance. The underlying mechanism of how job demands influence job performance remains unclear. Methods An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 893 nurses from 14 cities in Sichuan Province between November and December 2021. Data were collected using the Job Demands Scale, Job Performance Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and emotional workload subscale of the Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work. Bootstrap and simple slope methods were used to test a moderated mediation model using Hayes' PROCESS macro. The STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized. Results Job demands had a positive effect on job performance, and this effect was mediated by work engagement. Emotional workload moderated the indirect relationship between job demands and job performance. Specifically, the positive effect of job demands on job performance via work engagement was attenuated in nurses with a high emotional workload. Conclusion This study sheds light on the complex relationship between job demands and job performance. Work engagement and emotional workload deserve more attention to improve nurses’ performance. Implications for nursing and nursing policy Policymakers and nurse managers should make efforts to develop and implement strategies to foster nurses’ work engagement, reduce their emotional workload, and further help nurses efficiently deal with job demands.