Fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity among hospitality industry employees: The mediating role of happiness

Worldwide, COVID-19 had an unprecedented impact on the lives of people. This study explored the association between the fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity of Turkish hospitality employees, as well as the role of work happiness in that relationship. Survey data were collected from 417 employees (female = 53.24%; managers = 23%; age range = 19 to 63 years). SPSS-23 and AMOS-18 were used to test the research hypotheses using structural equation modelling and regression analysis. The findings indicated that fear of COVID-19 was associated with high job insecurity among employees from all levels. Work happiness played a mediating role in this relationship, lowering levels of fear and insecurity. These findings suggest that happiness is protective of fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity of employees. Management may consider boosting employee happiness to create a resilient workforce in the face of COVID-19.