Why Gen Z Stays, Strives, and Leaves: A Systematic Review of Organizational Dynamics and Employee Engagement.

Generation Z is rapidly emerging as a dominant workforce cohort, compelling organizations to re-evaluatetraditional assumptions about employee engagement, commitment, and retention. This systematic review synthesizes globaland Indian empirical research to examine the organizational and psychological drivers shaping workplace outcomes amongGeneration Z employees. Guided by self-determination theory, social exchange theory, and psychological contract theory,the review integrates evidence from 90 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2025. Thematic analysis identifiedseven core drivers influencing engagement and turnover intentions: autonomy and self-directed work, meaningful andpurpose-driven employment, psychological safety and inclusive leadership, career growth and continuous feedback, work–life integration and digital well-being, perceived organizational support and social exchange, and sustainability orientationand eco-identity. Findings indicate that Generation Z prioritizes eudaimonic engagement, value congruence, learningagility, and authentic organizational practices over purely transactional incentives. Misalignment between espoused valuesand enacted practices, micromanagement, unmet developmental expectations, and inadequate psychological safety wereconsistently associated with disengagement and attrition. The review also underscores contextual specificities within theIndian workforce and highlights gaps in longitudinal and mixed-method research, offering evidence-based implications foradaptive human resource strategies.