Fatigue, economic security, and job satisfaction: a cross-sectional study conducted in Ningbo, China during the post-restriction period.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to widespread fatigue among workers, posing a significant challenge to occupational health. Grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study examines the association between pandemic-related fatigue and job satisfaction and investigates whether economic security serves as a moderating factor.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among employed residents in Ningbo, China, shortly after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Data were collected using a COVID-19 Occupational Health Impact Questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics, COVID-19 history, employment status, the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), a multidimensional Economic Security Index, and a job satisfaction measure. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations and statistical interactions (moderation effects).

RESULTS

Among 1,938 participants included in the final analysis (retention rate: 98.5% of completed questionnaires), fatigue was significantly associated with lower job satisfaction (adjusted odds ratios (OR) = 0.27, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.22-0.34, p < 0.001). Although economic security was positively associated with job satisfaction (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 2.39-3.58, p < 0.001), it did not significantly moderate the association between fatigue and job satisfaction (P for interaction = 0.458). The association between fatigue and lower job satisfaction was consistent across both economically secure (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.24-0.44) and economically insecure (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.65) subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue is strongly associated with job dissatisfaction. In this cross-sectional study, we did not find evidence that economic security moderated this association. These findings suggest that fatigue is strongly associated with job dissatisfaction across economic strata. Future research should examine whether workplace fatigue mitigation strategies are associated with in protecting employee well-being in the post-pandemic era.