Workforce Sustainability as a Strategic Resource for Retail Enterprises in Emerging Asia: A Systematic Review of Generational Retention and Well-Being Drivers

Workforce sustainability has emerged as a critical strategic resource for retail enterprises operating in emerging Asian economies, where high labour intensity, demographic shifts, and competitive pressures challenge long-term enterprise viability. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to synthesize empirical evidence on how generational workforce drivers influence employee retention, well-being, and organizational resilience within the retail and service sectors. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, a rigorous screening process identified 15 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 from leading academic databases. The findings reveal that workforce sustainability is shaped by a combination of work environment quality, work–life balance practices, and transparent compensation systems, with notable differences in expectations between Millennials and Generation Z. Flexible scheduling, structured career pathways, equitable reward mechanisms, and resilience-focused well-being initiatives emerge as central drivers of workforce stability and sustainable enterprise performance. The review further highlights that retail enterprises adopting sustainability-oriented human resource strategies are better positioned to enhance employee commitment, reduce turnover, and support long-term growth. From a regional perspective, the findings underscore the importance of workforce skilling, retention-oriented labour policies, and institutional support mechanisms in strengthening service-sector stability across India and emerging Asia. By positioning workforce sustainability within the broader domains of strategic management, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, this study contributes to advancing theory and practice relevant to sustainable enterprise growth in Asia.