The Effect of the Working Environment among Restaurant Employees towards Job Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigates the relationship of the working environment on job satisfaction among casual restaurant employees during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study is based on empirical data obtained from 104 completed surveys. To test the relationship between working environment and job satisfaction, Pearson Correlation Coefficient Analysis was employed. Based on the analysis, the result indicated that there is a significant, weak positive relationship between working environment and job satisfaction, r (102) = .221, p<0.05. This suggests that improvements in the working environment are associated with increases in job satisfaction among employees. However, the relationship is weak, meaning that while the working environment does influence job satisfaction, other factors may also play a larger role in determining employees' overall job satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of creating a supportive and conducive working environment, particularly during times of crisis, to sustain employee morale and performance. Practical implications include the need for restaurant managers to prioritize employee well-being by enhancing workplace conditions, which may, in turn, contribute to service quality and organizational resilience. Limitations of the study include its focus on a specific sector and geographical context, suggesting that future research should explore other industries, larger samples, and additional variables such as leadership, compensation, and work-life balance.