Social support and relational energy: a new pathway to gen Z hotel new employee socialization

Purpose The hospitality industry faces significant challenges in promoting the socialization of new employees, particularly with the emergence of a younger workforce. Drawing on the work-home resources model, this study aims to investigate the cross-domain effect of external social support on the organizational socialization of Generation Z (Gen Z) hotel new employees through relational energy and the moderating role of trait mindfulness. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected in three waves from Gen Z hotel new employees at 30 upscale hotels in China, using a time-lagged questionnaire design (n = 417). Findings The results demonstrate that support from family and friends contributes to Gen Z hotel new employees’ organizational socialization via relational energy. In addition, new employees’ trait mindfulness enhances the direct influence of friend support on relational energy and its indirect effect on socialization. Practical implications Hotel organizations should ensure that family members and friends can be the “givers” of relational energy to new employees. Managers can conduct various staff activities and events to strengthen the supportive interactions between new employees and their families and friends. Originality/value While interpersonal interaction within an organization is crucial to the quality of socialization, evidence regarding how external social interaction influences this process is limited. This study highlights the critical role of family and friend support in promoting organizational socialization and contributes to the hospitality life-to-work interface literature among the Gen Z workforce.