The one-child policy is an unique phenomenon in China's development process, and the only children who have grown up under this policy are also becoming the most important labour force in China. Considering the rapidly developing education level in China, a large proportion of only children have higher cultural knowledge.

Chinese scholars have relatively weak research on psychological empowerment, especially in the context of Chinese culture, where the study of psychological empowerment for specific employees is particularly weak and has great potential for development.

This study comprehensively utilised literature research, interview questionnaire, and statistical analysis methods, using SPSS statistical software and structural equation modelling as data analysis tools. The questionnaire was distributed online to employees of in-service enterprises in most cities across the country, mainly in Jiangsu. The following conclusions were drawn from the study:
(1) The psychological empowerment of knowledge-based only child employees has a promoting effect on work performance.
(2) The psychological empowerment of knowledge-based only child employees has a promoting effect on their dedication.
(3) The dedication of knowledge-based only child employees has a promoting effect on work performance.
(4) The psychological empowerment of knowledge-based only child employees has a promoting effect on work performance.
(5) The moderating effect of changes in family burden, age, education level, and other factors on the psychological empowerment of knowledge-based only child employees in promoting work performance is not significant.
(6) Using the full sample data from the survey, including non-only children, the empirical results indicate that the moderating effect of being an only child on employee psychological empowerment and work performance is not significant.