Work engagement under extreme operational demands: Applying the job demands-resources framework to civil defense professionals

Abstract Purpose: This study investigates work engagement-comprising vigor, dedication, and absorption-among civil defense (CD) professionals operating in high-pressure disaster response situations. It also explores how exposure to elevated operational demands relates to engagement within the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework. Originality/value: Engagement in CD remains understudied, especially in Latin America, where emergency teams face recurring crises and resource constraints. By applying the JD-R model and incorporating an empirical indicator of operational demand, this study advances understanding of engagement under extreme working conditions. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 59 CD professionals in Brazil using the validated Brazilian version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). The analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression using operational demand as a predictor. Findings: Participants demonstrated moderate-to-high engagement, especially in vigor and dedication. No significant differences were found across sex, education, or tenure, although longer service showed a positive trend. Regression results indicated a positive, but not statistically significant, association between high operational demand and engagement. Contribution/implications: The study expands the JD-R framework to civil defense, showing that engagement can be maintained under extreme operational pressure when organizational and personal resources are accessible. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening team cohesion, structured onboarding, feedback practices, and psychosocial support to bolster resilience and well-being in emergency service occupations.