When COVID-19 Fear Disrupts Sleep: Economic Worries, Distress, and Mindfulness at Work

What is it about?

This paper examines how fear of COVID-19 undermines employees’ sleep quality (insomnia) through two distinct forms of strain: economic concerns and psychological distress. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the authors argue that pandemic-related fear threatens both employees’ financial security and emotional well-being, draining vital personal resources needed for rest and recovery. Using two survey studies of professionals in Pakistan (Study 1: n = 316; Study 2: n = 421), the research finds that both economic concerns and psychological distress independently explain why fearful employees experience more insomnia. The results also show that mindfulness acts as a protective resource—employees who are more mindful are better able to regulate anxious thoughts and emotions, weakening the impact of fear on experienced strain and preserving sleep quality. Organizations can use these insights to promote employee well-being and resilience during crises. By ensuring transparent communication about job stability, providing mental health and stress management resources, and integrating mindfulness-based training, employers can help workers sustain emotional balance and sleep health under uncertainty.

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Photo by Maxime on Unsplash

Photo by Maxime on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is unique in jointly identifying economic concerns and psychological distress as mediating mechanisms, while highlighting mindfulness as a personal resource that moderates these effects. By integrating emotional, cognitive, and behavioral pathways, it advances understanding of how pandemic fear undermines recovery and well-being. It is particularly timely for organizations managing ongoing health and economic disruptions, especially in Pakistan’s professional workforce. The findings underscore that cultivating mindfulness and stability can help employees sustain resilience amid uncertainty—offering a practical roadmap for maintaining mental health and productivity when external threats remain beyond organizational control.