Mental Health at The Workplace, Person-Organization-Fit and Labor Productivity Growth: Evidence from the Egyptian Soap and Detergents Industry During COVID-19

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 & 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.

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.

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/managerial 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.