The role of sustainable HRM and green workplace environment in enhancing employee green engagement: the mediating effect of environmental passion

This study investigates whether employee environmental passion (EEP) mediates the effect of a green workplace environment (GWE) and sustainable human resource management (SHRM) on employee green engagement (EGE). The hypothesized research model was assessed by integrating the principles of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social exchange theory (SET). Primary data were collected through a web-based survey from employees of large-scale energy sector corporations in Malaysia, where sustainability efforts are predominantly driven by governmental regulations rather than voluntary organizational initiatives. Purposive sampling was used to collect responses. Data from 364 participants were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Findings suggest a positive relation between GWE, SHRM, and EGE. Notably, findings report that EEP mediates the effects of GWE and SHRM on EGE. The study provides practical implications for the Malaysian energy sector, which is undergoing a state-led transition toward sustainability under frameworks such as MyRER. Since energy sector employees play a critical role in endorsing environmentally friendly practices, organizations should revise their employment policies to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Moreover, hiring managers and employees with strong environmental passion may further enhance green engagement. Managers should, among other activities, implement SHRM practices aligned with national sustainability directives while tapping into individual values for resource preservation and environmental protection. This study contributes to a growing research area on EGE by characterizing effective green work initiatives, such as greening the workplace and green practices. It further provides empirical evidence on how GWE and SHRM effects on EGE are transmitted through EEP, highlighting the unique context of Malaysia's government-led sustainability agenda. The study quantifies the advantages of greening practices for employees' pro-environmental behaviors by integrating the TPB and SET theories.