Work, telework, and mental health during COVID-19

Abstract

This review addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers’ mental health, in particular, teleworking conditions. Our analysis is based on documents from several international organizations and specialized scientific publications. The retrieved information reveals that the pandemic has had a significant effect on the mental health of frontline workers and employees who had to migrate to a virtual environment without prior warning. However, a positive aspect is reflected in the development of several remote mental health care devices implemented to protect vulnerable population, frontline workers, and the general population. Finally, this paper underscores the importance of developing public policies for protecting workers’ mental health.

Beyond Work: The Role of “Family-Friendly” Practices in the Subjective Well-Being of Teleworkers and On-Site Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As previously mentioned, this outcome may be attributed to the exceptional circumstances encountered by on-site workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this period, on-site workers had to face the pandemic within their workplace environments, adhering to social distancing guidelines and implementing enhanced personal hygiene and sanitation practices, which heightened the job demands for on-site workers [74]. Given these circumstances, PSFS may have assumed less relevance in explaining work engagement and subjective well-being since the support provided by supervisors towards dealing with the workplace environment during the COVID-19 pandemic may have assumed greater importance for on-site workers.…”

“…On the other hand, due to the insecurity, stress, and general concern provoked by the pandemic, even those who worked on-site were likely to experience the erosion of work-family boundaries. In this regard, since the support provided to employees shapes the amount of stress at work, relationships with supervisors play a crucial role in reducing work demands, as they also influence work attitudes and commitment [72][73][74]. Although it is recognised that interpersonal relationships profoundly impact organisational behaviour [35], many professionals may have encountered challenges in fulfilling their responsibilities upon transitioning to a new work context during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Although it is recognised that interpersonal relationships profoundly impact organisational behaviour [35], many professionals may have encountered challenges in fulfilling their responsibilities upon transitioning to a new work context during the COVID-19 pandemic. These difficulties arose irrespective of whether employees worked remotely or on-site [74].…”