Workplace Stressors and the Intention to Quit: The Role of Psychological Distress and Psychological Flexibility Among Hospitality Employees

This study examines the impact of workplace stressors on male hospitality workers’ intention to quit, focusing on the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of psychological flexibility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 334 full-time male employees from five-star hotels in Egypt. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the relationships between workplace stressors, psychological distress, the intention to quit, and psychological flexibility. Mediation and moderation effects were tested through bootstrapping techniques. Workplace stressors were positively associated with psychological distress and the intention to quit. Psychological distress significantly mediated the relationship between workplace stressors and the intention to quit. Psychological flexibility moderated these relationships by weakening the positive link between workplace stressors and psychological distress and between psychological distress and the intention to quit. Workplace stressors contribute to increased psychological distress and turnover intentions among male hospitality workers, but psychological flexibility serves as a protective factor. Hospitality organizations should implement stress management programs and resilience training to enhance employee well-being and retention.