The Moderated Mediating Role of Fatalism in the Effect of Death Anxiety on Work Performance Among Airline Employees: A Comparative Study in Turkiye During and Post-COVID-19

This study examines the moderated mediating role of fatalism in the impact of death anxiety among airline employees in Turkiye on work performance during and after-COVID-19. Data were collected from 199 employees during and post-COVID-19 to analyze the impact of death anxiety, job stress, job performance, and job satisfaction using SmartPLS. Findings showed that job stress fully mediated the relationship between death anxiety and work performance/work satisfaction during COVID-19 and partially mediated it post-COVID-19. Fatalism moderated the mediating role of job stress in the relationship between death anxiety and work performance/work satisfaction during COVID-19, but this effect was not observed in post-COVID-19. Also, fatalism moderating effect influenced death anxiety and work performance/work satisfaction during COVID-19, but there is no effect in post-COVID-19. Thus, post-COVID-19, the effect of fatalism diminished, highlighting a shift in employees’ coping mechanisms as the impact of COVID-19 reduced. This study emphasizes the significance of considering employees’ psychological and cultural factors in managing workplace stress and performance, especially in high-risk sectors like aviation. Practical implications suggest that airline companies should develop strategies to address employees’ stress and anxiety, incorporating their beliefs and cultural contexts, to enhance work performance and satisfaction during and post-COVID-19.