The Effect of Happiness at Work in Boosting Employee Productivity Among Z Generation in Startup West Java

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between happiness at work and employee productivity among Generation Z employees in startups. Happiness at work is treated as a second-order latent variable comprising engagement, job satisfaction, and affective organizational commitment. Using a quantitative explanatory approach, data were collected from 170 respondents in West Java through an electronic questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. Analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM to assess convergent and discriminant validity, reliability, and the structural model. Results show that workplace happiness significantly enhances productivity, with job satisfaction having the strongest impact, followed by engagement and affective commitment. The findings align with previous studies, confirming that workplace happiness drives motivation, commitment, and efficiency, positively impacting individual well-being and organizational performance. This research contributes to understanding workplace happiness in startups, offering insights for organizations to design strategies that foster happiness and productivity in a dynamic and competitive environment.