THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL ON EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DURING COVID19 PANDEMIC AMONG EMPLOYEES IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to organizations and employees worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of the factors that promote employee engagement during times of crisis. This study aims to investigate the impact of psychological capital, including optimism, hope, resilience, and, selfefficacy on employee engagement among employees in Istanbul, Turkey, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a cross-sectional research design, data was collected from a sample of 410 employees working in both private and public sector establishments in Istanbul. To measure the impact of psychological capital on employee engagement, a structured questionnaire was used, with responses being graded on a 5-point Likert scale to ensure clarity and consistency Quantitative analysis techniques, including descriptive statistics and regression analysis, were employed to examine the relationships between self-efficacy, optimism, resilience, hope, and employee engagement. The findings reveal that all four dimensions of psychological capital significantly and positively influence employee engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic among Istanbul's employees. The results demonstrate that employees with higher levels of hope, optimism, resilience, self-efficacy and exhibit greater engagement and commitment to their work, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. These psychological resources act as important determinants of employee engagement and contribute to organizational resilience and success. By uncovering the role of psychological capital in promoting employee engagement, this study provides valuable insights for organizations in Istanbul, Turkey, to develop evidence-based strategies and interventions that enhance employee well-being and productivity. Moreover, this research addresses the research gap by examining the interplay between psychological capital and employee engagement specifically in the context of a global crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, this study highlights the significance of fostering psychological capital among employees and emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy, optimism, resilience, and hope as key psychological resources that enhance employee engagement, particularly during challenging circumstances. The findings offer practical implications for organizations in Istan