El impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los riesgos psicosociales del sector fast-food: un estudio en dos oleadas con perspectiva de diversidad

Germán Cañavate; Isabella Meneghel; Marisa Salanova

doi:10.5565/rev/qpsicologia.2151

The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Psychosocial Risks in the Fast-Food Sector: A Two-Wave Study with a Diversity Approach

Authors

Germán Cañavate Universitat Jaume I https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2407-3867
Isabella Meneghel Universitat Internacional de Catalunya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9455-7317
Marisa Salanova Universitat Jaume I https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7873-7078

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial risks and work engagement in a fast-food franchise, comparing pre- (2018–2019) and post-pandemic (2021–2022) data. Using the FPSICO 4.0 risk assessment and the UWES-9 engagement survey, the study also examines the moderating role of demographic (sex, age) and job-related (position) variables. ANOVA results revealed a significant post-pandemic increase in psychosocial risks, particularly in working time, autonomy, variety and content, participation, and supervision. Women and younger workers experienced a greater negative impact on psychosocial risks and well-being. In contrast, older employees showed reduced risk levels. Team members were more affected than managerial staff. The findings highlight the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic in high-turnover, low-autonomy work environments, and identify key vulnerability and resilience factors that can inform organizational interventions and public policy focused on occupational mental health in post-crisis contexts.

Keywords

Psychosocial Risks, COVID-19, Catering Industry, Diversity

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Author Biographies

Germán Cañavate, Universitat Jaume I

PhD in Design, Management, and Evaluation of Social Welfare Policies from Universitat Jaume I (UJI). Technical director at an external prevention service, he conducts research on psychosocial risks and gender in the workplace.

Isabella Meneghel, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

PhD in Work, Organizational, and Human Resources Psychology. Associate Professor at UIC Barcelona. From a positive organizational psychology approach, she researches mental health and workplace well-being, resilience, and positive interventions to promote healthy work environments.

Marisa Salanova, Universitat Jaume I

PhD in Psychology and Full Professor of Social Psychology, specialized in Positive Organizational Psychology at Universitat Jaume I (UJI). She is director of the research team “WANT_Psychosocial Prevention and Healthy Organizations” (www.want.uji.es). Founding member and past president of the Spanish Society of Positive Psychology