Depletion of psychological, financial, and social resources in the hospitality sector during the pandemic

This study details how psychological, financial, and social factors shape employee deviant interpersonal behaviors during a pandemic. Data were collected with a survey of 372 front-line employees of hotels and analyzed with PLS-SEM. The findings showed social disconnectedness and perceived risk of unemployment leads to perceived isolation, which further creates depression in employees. The findings also showed that depression is positively related to employee deviance. Financial strain is a major cause of perceived isolation, depression, and deviant behaviors among front-line employees. Results also proved that social support reduces fear of isolation, depression, and employee deviance. This study provides guidelines that hotels need to understand the psychological stance of employees and design policies to overcome employee perceived fears and psychological disorders.

Automated summary

This study found that during a pandemic, psychological, financial, and social factors can influence employee deviant interpersonal behaviors. Social disconnectedness and perceived risk of unemployment lead to perceived isolation and depression, which in turn result in deviant behaviors. Financial strain is a major cause of perceived isolation, depression, and deviant behaviors among front-line employees.