Mitigating effect of affective trust on the workplace fun and work engagement relationship: evidence from the tourism and hospitality sector

In an environment driven by constant change and pressure for sustainability, modern HRM must plan and execute novel, positive methods for a constructive work environment. In this pursuit, the present study was driven by two aims: one, to test direct effect of workplace fun on work engagement; two, to test possible mitigating effect of affective trust on the relationship between workplace fun and work engagement. Using corelational study design and employing survey methods, we collected data from 235 hospitality and tourism sector employees. Regression analyses confirmed the two hypotheses, suggesting a direct affect of workplace fun on work engagement and confirming mitigating effect of affective trust on this relationship. We suggest that HRM design and implement policies that integrate fun and recreation activities at work, and boost affective trust at workplace for safe, healthy and productive work environments.