Social support and human resource primacy in shift work and worker resilience

Abstract

Orientation: This study investigates how shift work influences resilience among hospitality workers, with a specific emphasis on the roles of Perceived Social Support (PSS) and Human Resource Primacy (HRP) in enhancing positive challenge appraisal. Shift work is common in hospitality, demanding a better understanding of resilience-building mechanisms.

Research purpose: This study examines how shift work affects employees’ perception of challenge appraisal, which fosters resilience, and determines how PSS and HRP moderate the relationship between shift work and challenge appraisal.

Motivation for the study: Given the demanding nature of shift work in hospitality, identifying factors that support resilience can improve employee well-being and productivity, addressing an important gap in resilience research within the hospitality industry.

Research approach/design and method: This study employed a quantitative approach by surveying 280 hospitality employees in Indonesia who work in shifts. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyse the moderating effects of PSS and HRP on the relationship between shift work, challenge appraisal and resilience.

Main findings: Shift work positively impacts challenge appraisal, which subsequently enhances resilience. Moreover, high levels of PSS and supportive human resource (HR) policies moderate the positive effect of shift work on challenge appraisal.

Practical/managerial implications: Findings suggest that fostering a supportive work environment through social and HR support can help hospitality workers view shift work as a growth opportunity, promoting resilience.

Contribution/value-add: This research contributes to the literature by integrating social support and HR practices into the understanding of resilience in hospitality, highlighting organisational strategies that facilitate employees’ adaptability and resilience under shift work conditions.