The impact of pandemics on performance during the Hajj season A field study on the King Abdulaziz Medical City employees in the Governorate of Jeddah

Abstract

            This article examines the relationship between pandemics, particularly the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the performance of health workers during the Hajj season, with reference to direct health concerns and related socio-economic impacts. Using a descriptive analytical approach and collecting a sample of )402( employees of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah Governorate during the 2023 Hajj season, this study provides insights about the interaction between health crises, religious practices, and workforce productivity. The results indicate that pandemics significantly affect employee performance, with an impact that extends beyond health considerations, to include psychological, organizational, and economic dimensions, such as discipline, fear, and work responsibility. The article concludes by proposing strategies to mitigate negative consequences and enhance resilience in the face of similar challenges.