In this study, we analyzed the association between meaningful work and workplace procrastination, as mediated by work engagement. Additionally, we investigated the moderating role of socioemotional skills (specifically, selfmanagement and emotional resilience) on the relation between meaningful work and work engagement. Grounded in the Job Demands-Resources model and the Conservation of Resources theory, meaningful work was conceptualized as a motivational job resource expected to enhance engagement and reduce procrastinatory behaviors. A pre-registered cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Portugal, with a final sample of 267 working adults. Participants completed four self-report instruments: Work and Meaning Inventory (WAMI), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Procrastination at Work Scale (PAWS), and Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory. The WAMI and PAWS were translated and culturally adapted. Meaningful work correlated strongly with engagement and, to a lesser extent, with less procrastination. On the other hand, procrastination was negatively related to socioemotional skills, especially with self-management and, to a more moderate extent, emotional resilience. Mediation analysis showed that meaningful work is associated with lower procrastination through increased engagement. No significant moderation effect emerged from the exploratory analyses, indicating that self-management and emotional resilience may function as additional personal resources rather than moderators. Overall, the results indicate that when work is perceived as meaningful, it tends to predict greater work engagement and less procrastination, thus highlighting its role as a motivational resource in the workplace.

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Meaningful work,procrastination,work engagement,socioemotional skills

• Psychology - Social Sciences