COVID-19: Employee Experience and Adjustment at a State Owned Company in South Africa

Abstract

The study explored employees’ experience and adjustment of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study followed a qualitative research approach and used a convenience sampling method. The sample contained 12 employees (women = 6; men = 6; working from home = 6; working from the office = 1; hybrid workers = 5; median age = 36; Mage = 39). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews that occurred virtually on Microsoft teams. Data were analyzed using the Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Six themes were established: The study found that work content increased, employees had to work remotely and use online platforms to communicate and deliver work, received adequate support from the organization, achieved positive work-life balance, and faced personal challenges in grief and emotional distress. In fulfilling the goals and objectives of the study, HR and management can be better placed to recognize the effect of the pandemic on workers and the role they need to play in supporting these workers throughout this time.

Exploring context-related challenges and adaptive responses while working from home during COVID-19

“…, 1997). Employees have utilized technology in several ways, including scheduling leisure time, conducting video conferences with colleagues and family members, doing home workouts and spending more time with their families (Dhanpat et al. , 2022).…”

“…Topic of the changing work routines showed emerging in other researches as an issue to adaptation to the new normal (e.g. Dhanpat et al. , 2022).…”

“…Positive changes that occurred during the pandemic, such as work-from-home and flexible work hours, might be perceived from employees as positive and influence employee experience and job performance (Laiho et al, 2022). There is a need for social science-based narrative as a foundation for continued research into employee experiences and their adaptation to the new work environment (Dhanpat et al, 2022). It also helps HR professionals Challenges and adaptive response during COVID better comprehend the pandemic's impact on employee well-being and performance.…”

“…Malik, 2023;Edwards and Billsberry, 2010;Spurgeon et al, 1997). Employees have utilized technology in several ways, including scheduling leisure time, conducting video conferences with colleagues and family members, doing home workouts and spending more time with their families (Dhanpat et al, 2022). Contrary to this, other research shows that WFH results in poorer performance (De Cooman and Vleugels, 2022;Edwards and Billsberry, 2010;Flint et al, 2013).…”

“…Topic of the changing work routines showed emerging in other researches as an issue to adaptation to the new normal (e.g. Dhanpat et al, 2022). Additionally, the social sphere of context-related factors arise as the most significant, and participants mention challenges in proper communication, issues with lack of trust, and loneliness.…”