Work from Home and Knowledge Management Systems

Abstract

The article explores a new area of the intricacies of work from home presenting its implementation, challenges encountered by employees in Northern Iraq based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about major changes in the organizational environment, one of which is the way work is done. Using the qualitative approach, the researcher employed 25 interviews which were used to collect primary data and analyzed the data thematically. The findings revealed that whilst work from home had benefits such as offering flexibility and freedom as well as allowing employees to save on costs; it also resulted in problems such as stress and challenges in work-life balance, and these were compounded by the lack of support from the management. It also revealed that most people with families found more time to spend with their loved ones but had challenges in balancing work in a home setting. As an example, we illustrate the technology acceptance model on factors that influence the adoption of new technologies such as ease of use, which makes people more amenable to using it. It also reflected the invasion of privacy, insecurity, and stress as techno-stressors related to working from home. The qualitative method allows us to improve the application of the techno-stress model, and the results can be used to improve work policies in the country and adaptation in workplaces. It also gives insight into a better working structure with regards to working from home. The novelty of the results highlights important issues regarding work-life balance, gender disparity, psychological impact, and consciousness on environmental issues.