Hope and Optimism: How They Differ in Job Satisfaction During The COVID-19 Epidemic

Abstract

Purpose: Due to COVID-19, Malaysian employees faced uncertainty in many aspects of life, particularly job security, adapting to new work conditions, and job loss affecting job satisfaction. Therefore, promoting optimism and hope is essential for employees to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. The purpose of this study is to discuss the importance of hope and optimism on employee’s job satisfaction.

Theoretical Framework: The study provides a literature review on the topics of hope, optimism, and job satisfaction. The hope and optimism are crucial characteristics that have the potential to affect an employee's productivity, which in turn affects the work's overall outcome. Businesses that demonstrate optimism and hope can ensure that their employees are satisfied with their jobs, thereby enhancing organisational performance. Although hope and optimism are frequently used interchangeably, they are distinct due to their individual characteristics. Optimism is the conviction that, despite adverse conditions, things will ultimately improve. Hope, on the other hand, fosters the conviction that despite life's obstacles, an individual can flourish.

Design/methodology/approach: This research is descriptive in nature. The literature review in that article will emphasise the differences between hope and optimism in employee job satisfaction.

Findings: The current study confirms that hope is a significantly more beneficial trait for an individual than optimism. Hope is essential to achieving job satisfaction because employees with high levels of hope will have multiple goals and the capability to achieve them.

Research, Practical & Social implications: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to recognise that optimism and hope are cognitive traits that protect and aid employees in coping with their daily challenges. In contrast to optimism, however, hope can help employees better adapt to the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to job satisfaction.

Originality/value: This research topic is unique in that it makes a contribution to the field of psychological well-being, and it also has the potential to influence workplace practises and policies.

Keywords: Hope, optimism, job satisfaction, COVID-19, employees, mental health