The Effect of Coronavirus Anxiety on Job Stress in Forest Products Manufacturing Sector

Introduction: One of the concepts that emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic is coronavirus anxiety. Additionally, the concept of work-related stress has become one of the prominent issues due to the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of coronavirus anxiety on work-related stress among employees in the forest products industry, a sector that requires high levels of attention. Methods: The study follows a quantitative research design and is cross-sectional in nature. The population of the study consists of employees working in three different businesses operating in Karaman province. No sample calculation was performed; instead, all individuals who volunteered and were eligible to participate were included in the research. A total of 121 valid questionnaires were collected using the survey technique. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, difference tests, and regression analysis in IBM SPSS software. For reliability, the Cronbach’s Alpha test was used, while confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS AMOS software for validity. Results: According to the findings of the frequency analysis, it was determined that the participants' perceptions of coronavirus anxiety and work-related stress were below average. The results of the correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant, moderate positive relationship between coronavirus anxiety and work-related stress. The difference tests indicated that individuals in the 41-50 age group had higher levels of coronavirus anxiety and work-related stress. It was also found that individuals with a primary school education had higher levels of coronavirus anxiety compared to those with a high school education. No significant differences were found between the other groups. According to the results of the regression analysis, it was determined that coronavirus anxiety has a statistically significant and positive effect on work-related stress. Conclusion: It was concluded that as coronavirus anxiety increases among employees in the forest products manufacturing sector, work-related stress also increases. The findings of the study are limited by the small sample size.