The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Enhancing Employee Performance And Job Satisfaction In Hybrid Workplaces

Abstract

The post-COVID-19 expansion of hybrid work models has significantly reshaped organizational operations, altering not only the way teams collaborate but also the emotional dynamics within professional environments. In this context, emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a vital factor influencing employee performance and job satisfaction. This research investigates the role of emotional intelligence in hybrid workplaces, focusing on India’s IT, finance, and consulting sectors—industries that have been at the forefront of hybrid adoption between 2022 and 2024. A total of 150 professionals were surveyed using stratified random sampling to ensure a diverse representation across management levels. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the standardized EQ-i 2.0 instrument, measuring five core dimensions: self-perception, empathy, self-regulation, social skills, and decision-making. Statistical analysis using SPSS (Version 27) revealed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between EI and both employee performance (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) and job satisfaction (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Regression results further identified self-awareness and empathy as key predictors of enhanced performance, while self-regulation and social skills were found to have the strongest impact on job  satisfaction. These findings are aligned with both classical emotional intelligence theories and recent empirical work on hybrid work environments. The study concludes that emotional intelligence is not only a beneficial trait but a strategic competency required for employee engagement, resilience, and productivity in India’s evolving hybrid workforce.