Beyond career development: Understanding employees’ intention to stay through occupational well-being

Orientation: Employee retention is a strategic concern in the banking industry because of its implications for organisational performance and sustainability. Research purpose: This study examines the effect of career development on employees’ intention to stay and the mediating role of occupational well-being based on Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory. Motivation for the study: Previous findings on the relationship between career development and intention to stay have been inconsistent, highlighting the need to investigate the underlying mechanism. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 191 employees of PT Bank Muamalat Indonesia Tbk in the Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua Region, Indonesia. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Main findings: Career development positively and significantly affects occupational well-being and intention to stay. Occupational well-being also positively affects intention to stay and partially mediates the relationship between career development and intention to stay. Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should strengthen structured career development through accessible training, supervisor support and career advancement opportunities while fostering employees’ occupational well-being. Contribution/value-add: This study extends COR Theory by demonstrating occupational well-being as a psychological mechanism linking organisational resources with employees’ intention to stay, particularly in Islamic banking.