Determinants of sustainable employability: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Sustainable employability (SE) has become an important concern for organizations, policymakers and researchers. This is due to demographic shifts, technological transformation, and evolving labor market conditions.  However, the literature remains fragmented with inconsistent conceptual definitions and a lack of holistic synthesis of determinants across multiple levels. This study aims to systematically synthesize the existing definitions of sustainable employability, identify its key determinants, and categorize these determinants into personal, social and organizational/contextual factors. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Science Direct and Taylor & Francis databases up to January 2026. Following PRISMA guidelines, 1759 records were screened and 13 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was performed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The extracted data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Three conceptual clusters emerged: the capability approach, able and willingness framework, and three domain models (health, well-being, and employability). Key determinants were grouped into personal, social and organizational/contextual factors. This review advances the SE literature by integrating fragmented conceptualizations into a coherent multi-level framework. The findings provide a foundation for future theoretical development and evidence-based organizational interventions aimed at fostering sustainable employability.