Impact of COVID-19 stress on employee performance and well-being: role of trust in management and psychological capital
Journal of Asia Business Studies
ISSN: 1558-7894
Article publication date: 4 August 2023
Issue publication date: 18 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented case of organisation–environment interaction in the occupational settings. Using Palmer and colleagues (2003) model of work stress, this study aims to examine the influence of COVID-19 stress on employee performance and psychological well-being. Furthermore, drawing on conservation of resources theory (Hobfoll, 1989), the role of trust in management and psychological capital as moderators has also been explored.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from the service sector employees (N = 507) using purposive sampling technique.
Findings
Structural equation modelling analysis revealed the negative impact of COVID-19 stress on employee performance and psychological well-being; moderated by trust in management and psychological capital, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed conceptual model contributes to the stress management literature by providing an understanding of how COVID-19-related stress impacts employee behaviour in organisational context. The present study considers the COVID-19 stress as bio-psycho-socioeconomic challenge that impacts and determines nearly all the activities of the individuals, groups and organisations at a global scale.
Practical implications
The findings of the studies offer several managerial implications pertaining to performance and well-being at workplace especially during such crisis characterised by the elements of uncertainty and ambiguity. Identification of the personal resources would prove beneficial for the management in devising and implementing customised interventions for employees and the organisation. Since the pandemic has impacted each individual differently, human resource managers should remind their employees to be vigilant about self-care and take advantage of their health care benefits, particularly with regards to mental health.
Originality/value
The proposed conceptual model contributes to the workplace stress management literature by providing an understanding of how COVID-19-related stress impacts employee outcomes in the organisational context. Furthermore, identifying personal resources would prove beneficial for the management in devising and implementing customised interventions at the workplace.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers who provided valuable comments and constructive suggestions for this paper. The timely support and cooperation received from the Journal of Asia Business Studies editorial office is really noteworthy.
Citation
Pradhan, R.K., Panda, M., Hati, L., Jandu, K. and Mallick, M. (2024), "Impact of COVID-19 stress on employee performance and well-being: role of trust in management and psychological capital", Journal of Asia Business Studies, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 85-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-01-2023-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited