Title: Boosting engagement: the motivational drivers of female millennials in Kolkata's IT hub

Authors: Subhajit Pahari; Munmun Patra Pahari; Chittaranjan Behera; Aruna Polisetty

Addresses: School of Business, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India ' Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India ' Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, India ' VIT Business School, VIT University, Vellore, India

Abstract: This study explores the factors driving motivation among female millennial employees in IT organisations in Kolkata, India, and examines the link between motivation and employee engagement (EE) through the lens of self-determination theory. Using a mixed-method approach, primary data from 532 female employees in five major IT firms were analysed. Results highlight that non-monetary factors, including psychological safety, working environment, change leadership, job design, and well-being, significantly boost employee motivation. Notably, psychological safety and well-being emerge as the most influential, strongly enhancing employee engagement. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering both theoretical insights and practical strategies to motivate and engage female millennials, thereby addressing the high attrition rates in the IT sector.

Keywords: employee motivation; female millennials; IT industry; psychological safety; working climate; change leadership; job design; wellbeing; emotional attachment; employee engagement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMP.2025.148345

International Journal of Management Practice, 2025 Vol.18 No.5, pp.445 - 470

Accepted: 03 Nov 2024
Published online: 02 Sep 2025 *

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