Examining the Relationship between Fear of COVID-19 and Absenteeism among Frontline Workers in Pakistan

One of the significant difficulties businesses worldwide have encountered due to the spread of COVID-19 is the absence of essential employees. The major purpose of this research study was to assess the effect that anxiety brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak had on the percentage of workers who were absent from their jobs. In addition, this study aimed to evaluate the role that psychological distress and perceived organization support play as mediators and moderators between the fear of Covid-19 and absenteeism on the part of employees in the exposition of P-E Fit theory. With a quantitative research method and deductive approach, Data was collected using a validated survey instrument, with 239 responses received through an online Google form. The study's focus group consisted of frontline sales representatives. Using Smart-PLS to test the hypotheses revealed that most could be accepted. These findings are consistent with previous research studies in the field. This research adds to the previous literature by addressing the significance of managers' support for frontline staff by supplying them with the required tools and supplies to decrease fear and stress in the face of Covid-19. Overall, the study highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on the workplace and underscores the importance of understanding the factors that influence employee behavior during these unprecedented times.