This study examines the influence of employee empowerment on various performance outcomes within the hospitality sector. Drawing on data collected from 310 managerial-level employees across hotels, restaurants, and food and beverage establishments in major metropolitan cities of India, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of how empowerment affects key organizational variables such as engagement, motivation, efficacy, efficiency, and retention. A conceptual model incorporating organizational commitment, engagement, motivation, efficacy, and retention was tested using SPSS and PLS-SEM. Findings reveal that empowerment significantly enhances engagement and efficacy, though its effect on motivation is marginal, indicating a need for complementary strategies like recognition and career development. Motivation strongly predicts both efficacy and efficiency, but an unexpected negative interaction effect highlights the risk of cognitive overload. Engagement does not directly influence retention but exerts a strong indirect effect through motivation and performance. Organizational commitment emerges as a key driver of engagement, while efficacy alone does not guarantee efficiency without supportive structures. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated strategies combining empowerment, motivation, and resource alignment to improve employee outcomes and retention in dynamic hospitality environments.