DIMENSIONS OF EMPLOYEES' ENGAGEMENT AND THEIR EFFECTS ON JOB PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION IN NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS

This study investigated the influence of employees engagement dimensions on job performance and retention among staff of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria. The institution, renowned for its academic and administrative diversity, provided a robust environment for analyzing engagement dynamics in the higher education sector. Adopting a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 292 employees selected through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire comprising 57 validated items measured five engagement dimensions; work environment, leadership styles, teamwork, training and development, and compensation/remuneration; and two work outcomes: job performance and employee retention. Using SPSS (version 26), data were analysed through Canonical Correlation and Pearson’s correlation techniques. Results revealed a significant multivariate association between engagement components and work outcomes (canonical correlation = 0.537, p < 0.001). Training and development (r = 0.632) and compensation (r = 0.634) exhibited the strongest correlations with job performance and retention, respectively. These findings underscore the critical role of continuous training, equitable compensation, and supportive work environments in enhancing productivity and retention. The study recommended institutional policies that strengthen engagement practices through leadership development, collaborative culture, and reward structures. Future research should explore longitudinal models and cross-institutional comparisons to deepen understanding of engagement-performance dynamics.