Perceived employability among European workers: the impact of human capital, training practices and national values

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this paper aims to explore how individual factors, organizational training practices and national values of masculinity and uncertainty avoidance influence workers’ perceived employability.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchical linear model tested the proposed hypotheses among a sample of 26,555 workers from 29 European countries, obtained through the 6th European Work Conditions Survey.

Findings

Results show the influence of individual factors (i.e. level of education, work experience at the current organization, training paid for by employees, etc.), the organization’s training practices and national cultural values on the European workers’ perceived employability. Post hoc analysis also shows that current “person-job fit” moderates the influence of several individual factors, organizational practices and cultural values on perceived employability.

Research limitations/implications

It would be interesting to replicate this study in non-European countries to better understand the effect of national cultural values on perceived employability. Future research should also consider a longitudinal approach to better capture the dynamics of employability over time.

Practical implications

As a complex and increasingly interesting phenomenon in the academic literature on management, this study contributes a deeper understanding of how several factors influence perceived employability. Individuals and organizations should invest in training and development programs that enhance employability, considering individual and cultural factors. Additionally, this research provides insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to strengthen workforce development and adaptability in Europe.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive framework based on a multilevel approach (individual, organizational and national factors) to understand the antecedents of perceived employability among individuals already employed.

Citation

Cuéllar-Molina, D., García-Cabrera, A.M., Lucia-Casademunt, A.M. and Gutiérrez-Pérez, F.J. (2025), "Perceived employability among European workers: the impact of human capital, training practices and national values", The Bottom Line, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2024-0063