Mental health at the workplace, person-organization-fit and labor productivity growth: evidence from the Egyptian soap and detergents industry during COVID-19
ISSN: 0142-5455
Article publication date: 28 March 2023
Issue publication date: 10 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to examine the mediating role of mental health issues in the workplace (MHIW) in explaining the complex relationship between person-organization-fit (P.O-fit) dimensions and workers' productivity (WP) variance during COVID-19 in the Egyptian soap and detergents industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-sectional survey, the authors collected data from 373 frontline workers and supervisors working at ARMA soap and detergents (ASD) factories. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 production-lines and quality-control supervisors. The hypothesized model was analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling technique.
Findings
The authors found a significant, high P.O-fit level among ASD workers. The need-supplies-fit and supplementary-fit controlled MHIW. The need-supplies-fit and supplementary-fit alongside MHIW explained the growth in WP during COVID-19. The MHIW mediated the relationship between P.O-fit dimensions and WP during the pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
Limited attention was paid to investigating how the P.O-fit dimensions enable frontline workers to remain productive despite the MHIW associated with COVID-19. This study bridges the aforementioned research gap by elucidating how the supplementary-fit, demand-abilities-fit and need-supplies-fit manipulate MHIW and maintain WP growth during the pandemic.
Practical implications
The findings provide clear guidelines for the first-line supervisors to foster the P.O-fit dimensions, control MHIW and sustain WP growth during COVID-19.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to add significant information on how MHIW (as mediator) explains the relationship between P.O-fit and WP growth during the pandemic.
Keywords
Citation
Ali, T.M., Amankwah-Amoah, J. and Mostafa, B.A. (2023), "Mental health at the workplace, person-organization-fit and labor productivity growth: evidence from the Egyptian soap and detergents industry during COVID-19", Employee Relations, Vol. 45 No. 4, pp. 887-908. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-01-2022-0026
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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