The purpose of this research is to examine the underlying mechanisms inside the so-called black box that relate high performance work systems (HPWS) with employees’ well-being and job performance in hospitality. We surveyed a sample of 494 hotel workers to test a research model that related the following variables: HPWS, organizational commitment, motivation, job satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), and individual job performance. Structural equation modelling, namely through PLS-SEM, was conducted. We confirmed that HPWS directly influence employees’ motivation, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and QoL. Additionally, workers’ motivation and organizational commitment positively influence job satisfaction, which, in turn, enhances workers’ QoL. Moreover, job satisfaction and quality of life significantly predicted individual job performance. This study contributes to unlocking the so-called black box relating HPWS with job outcomes as well as to the growing body of research that relates employees’ well-being with performance. From a managerial point of view, hospitality firms should prioritize investment in HPWS, as its design and implementation affects employees’ attitudes and behaviors. Future lines of research should consider bundles of practices instead of the whole HPWS effects on employees’ attitudes and behaviors.

Purpose: Based on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study analyses how servant leadership and high-performance work systems (HPWS) provide employees with valuable resources that help them cope with work demands and preserve or increase personal and job resources, which in turn enhances their work-life balance (WLB) and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: A sample of 253 hotel workers from Gran Canaria was surveyed. The study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses. Findings: Both servant leadership and HPWS positively affect employees’ job satisfaction. Additionally, WLB plays a mediating role in explaining how servant leadership and HPWS can increase employees’ job satisfaction. Practical implications: Our findings offer practical guidance for hotel managers on implementing strategies that foster employee well-being and enhance performance through a combination of servant leadership and HPWS. Originality/value: This study is among the first to investigate the mediating role of WLB between servant leadership, HPWS and job satisfaction in the hospitality sector. By applying COR theory, it offers new insights into the interaction between personal and job-related resources and their impact on employee outcomes.