I've Lost My Appetite For Work: The Influence of Hunger on Occupational Factors

Abstract

Little research currently exists regarding the effects of hunger on the behaviors and cognitions of individuals within the workplace. In an attempt to address this gap in the literature, a correlational study examining the effects of hunger on several occupationally relevant factors was conducted. The data collection process involved the recruitment of N = 274 individuals currently working in the United States via online surveying. Information regarding participants' experiences of hunger at work were collected and examined alongside a number of occupation-specific factors such as occupational fatigue, turnover intent, job performance, and willingness to withhold effort. Data were analyzed via a series of hierarchical regression analyses that screened for the presence of significant associations between hunger and the factors discussed. Results indicated the presence of significant correlative relationships between hunger, and all four of the examined occupational factors. Additionally, the presence of perceived supervisor support as a potential moderating factor between hunger and the selected occupational factors was examined, however no evidence suggesting its significance in this role was found. The implications of these findings as well as recommendations for the direction of future research are discussed.