Abstract:

This study examines the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between mindfulness and work outcomes. In the study, job satisfaction, job performance and employee turnover intentions are considered work outcomes. A sample of 551 white-collar employees working in companies in different sectors and sizes in Turkey completed questionnaires that evaluated their mindfulness, emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, job performance and intention to leave. The correlation results indicate that mindfulness is positively related to emotional intelligence, job satisfaction and performance and negatively related to turnover intention. Additionally, it has been determined that employees’ emotional intelligence is positively related to their job satisfaction and performance and negatively related to their intention to leave. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis, used to measure the mediation effect, showed that emotional intelligence fully mediates the relationship between mindfulness and work outcomes. In other words, the indirect effect of employees' mindfulness on work outcomes emerges through their emotional intelligence. The theoretical background of the model proposed in the research is the positive orientation theory, which states that positive emotions result in positive outcomes. The findings draw attention to the fact that managers should be aware of the positive influence of mindfulness and emotional intelligence on employees. In this context, it is recommended that managers and human resources professionals include training to increase the mindfulness and emotional intelligence of their employees within the organization.

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