The rise of empowerment leadership, particularly in relation to corporate social responsibility (CSR), has garnered increasing attention in recent years. As work relationships evolve to promote better work–life balance, understanding these dynamics has become crucial for retaining employees, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. In France, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly affected, struggling to retain workers in high-demand sectors. This article explores the practical connections between empowerment leadership and three key factors: CSR image, work–life balance, and job satisfaction. Through research conducted with young professionals in the BETIC sector (engineering and consulting firms), the findings offer actionable insights for SMEs seeking to improve employee retention by aligning leadership practices with broader social and organizational responsibilities, in particular through empowering leadership and CSR.