This paper analyses the influence of employees perceptions of high-performance work systems (HPWSs) on employees exploratory learning and innovative behaviour. Furthermore, the mediating role of exploratory learning in this relationship has also been studied. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative analysis was conducted with a sample of 304 researchers from the Spanish public sector. Results showed the relevance of employees perceptions of HPWSs in promoting exploratory learning and employees innovative behaviour. The mediating role of exploratory learning in the relationship was assessed. The paper mentions the importance of workers perceptions on the implementation of HPWSs and their impact on employees behaviour. The paper also presents practical and theoretical implications.