scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working Conditions, Employment, Career Development and Well-Being of Refugee Researchers

Societies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Ourania Tzoraki ◽  
Svetlana Dimitrova ◽  
Marin Barzakov ◽  
Saad Yaseen ◽  
Vasilis Gavalas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
The Public ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
The Impact

The ongoing ‘refugee crisis’ of the past years has led to the migration of refugee researchers (RRs) to European countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RRs often had to work from home and/or to continue their social, cultural and economic integration process under new conditions. An online survey carried out to explore the impact of the pandemic on the refugee researchers showed that RRs found it difficult to adapt their everyday working life to the ‘home’ setting. The majority have had neither a suitable work environment at home nor the appropriate technology. Although they stated that they are rather pleased with the measures taken by the public authorities, they expressed concern about their vulnerability due to their precarious contracts and the bureaucratic asylum procedures, as the pandemic has had a negative impact on these major issues. The majority of RRs working in academia seem not to have been affected at all as far as their income is concerned, while the majority of those employed in other sectors became unemployed during the pandemic (58%). Recommendations are provided to the public authorities and policy makers to assist RRs to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on their life.

The Work-Life Balancing Act

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Dhruva Pathak ◽  
Vijayakumar Bharathi S. ◽  
Padma Mala E.
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
New Ways Of Working ◽  
Professional Attitude ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
The Impact

The study investigated the impact of mandatory work from home due COVID-19 on personal and professional lives of people with different demographics. Statistical analysis of an online survey data (N=237) reveals that the impact on personal life dimensions—healthy lifestyle, family bonding, and physical stress—does not differ across people within different demographics. However, impact on emotional well-being is sensitive to gender and industry groups. Family size is also an important demographic factor impacted upon personal life dimensions. Professional dimensions related to work productivity and adopting new ways of working does not differ across demographics except for occupational role. Dimensions related to new skill development and change in professional attitude does differ across occupational roles. The study concludes by stating future research directions for mandatory work from home situation, and prescription to post-COVID-19 strategies for organizations.

scholarly journals Household Diversity and the Impacts of COVID-19 on Families in Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Gouveia ◽  
Vasco Ramos ◽  
Karin Wall
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Family Routines ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Household Diversity ◽  
Probabilistic Sample ◽  
The Impact

Throughout the world, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted family routines, relationships, projects and sociability, threatening the health, income, social cohesion, and well-being of individuals and their families. Lockdown restrictions imposed during the first wave of the pandemic challenged the theories, concepts, and methods used by family sociologists and the intersecting fields of gender and social inequality. By restricting physical interactions to co-resident family members, the household regained a privileged role as a crucial social laboratory for studying the impact of COVID-19 on family life. The difficulties encountered by individuals in maintaining and dealing with close relationships across households and geographical borders, in a context in which relational proximity was discouraged by the public authorities, exposed the linked nature of family and personal relationships beyond the limits of co-residence. The main aim of this article is to investigate the social impacts of the pandemic on different types of households during the first lockdown at an early stage of the pandemic in Portugal. Drawing on an online survey applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 11,508 households between 25 and 29 March 2020, the authors combined quantitative and qualitative methods, including bi-variate inferential statistics, cluster analysis and in-depth case studies. The article distinguishes between different household types: solo, couple with and without children, extended, friendship, lone-parent families, and intermittent arrangements, such as shared custody. A cross-tabulation of the quantitative data with open-ended responses was carried out to provide a refined analysis of the household reconfigurations brought about during lockdown. The analysis showed how pre-existing unequal structural living conditions shaped the pathways leading to household reconfiguration as families sought to cope with restrictions on mobility, social distancing norms, and other lockdown measures. The findings stress that, in dealing with a crisis, multilevel welfare interventions need to be considered if governments are to cater to the differentiated social needs and vulnerabilities faced by individuals and families.

scholarly journals CHALLANGES FACING THE EMERGING ECONOMY DURING COVID-19 THE CASE OF JORDAN

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Basem Al-Lozi ◽  
Sheren Hamed
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
World Health ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges of the Jordanian economy during COVID-19. The Jordanian economy may have to face different scenarios in his macro-environment. Specifically, the study focused on the impact COVID-19 on the Jordanian economy. Methodology: An exploratory research method was used to build three scenarios. The sample randomly selected from Jordanians in the capital of Jordan Amman. The study divided the sample to three groups and asking them three questions related to the expectations of the impact of COVID-19 on the Jordanian economy for the coming years. Results: The study findings revealed that the majority of respondents (55.2%) are optimistic that the COVID-19 will finish and Jordan economy will be booming. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Recommendations were provided for Jordanian policy makers to deal scenarios. For example Jordan government and policy makers has to be pragmatic, and work toward lowering level of expectations among Jordanian economy to avoid the negative impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Cooperation between the public sector and private sector in implementing the instructions of the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health to decrease the number of cases to open more sectors which will have a positive impact on the Jordanian economy.

scholarly journals A Survey to Evaluate the Association of COVID-19 Restrictions on Perceived Mood and Coping in Australian Community Level Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Fox-Harding ◽  
Sarah Ann Harris ◽  
Shane L. Rogers ◽  
Shayne Vial ◽  
Philipp Beranek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Australian Community ◽  
Unexpected Findings ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Highlights:No differences in coping or well-being in Australian community athletes based on the level of support received during COVID-19 restrictions.Community level athletes had better coping when a training program was provided.No difference between individual or team community athletes for well-being or coping scores. Australian community level athletes faced unprecedented changes to their training and competition options as the global COVID-19 pandemic took a stronghold. This disruption was predicted to have a negative impact on emotional well-being as communities braced through periods of social isolation and physical distancing requirements. This study provides an Australian perspective on the emotional well-being of community level athletes and the extent to which they coped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional well-being and coping were measured using the Brief Emotional Experience Scale and the 28-item Brief Cope Scale. Both instruments were administered along with other questions pertaining to participant demographics and training status via an online survey between April and June 2020. The survey was disseminated to community athletes through word-of-mouth and social media platforms. No significant differences in emotional well-being were observed between athlete groups as a result of COVID-19 and its associated restrictions. Coping scores also appeared to be preserved in Australian community athletes, which contrasts the impact expected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While tentative, the observed preservation in coping may have buffered potential declines in emotional well-being, which has been documented in professional and semi-professional athletes and the general population. These unexpected findings and tentative suppositions warrant further investigation and highlight the importance of conducting a country- or region-specific approach to examining the impact of COVID-19 on community athletes, as responses to COVID-19 are undoubtedly not consistent throughout the world.

scholarly journals The Impact of E-Learning on University Students’ Learning of Sport Skill Subjects During the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-216
Author(s):  
Fatin Adira Murad ◽  
Azlan Ahmad Kamal
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered the education system globally shutting down face-to-face (f2f) learning in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The Malaysian government implemented Movement Control Order (MCO) starting in March 2020 creating a new norm for Malaysian citizens’ working, educational and social environments. Work from Home (WFH) became part of the new norm for most working people with university students having no choice but to continue their education via Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Thus, this study investigates the impact of e-learning among university students studying sport skill subjects during this pandemic. An online survey was distributed to 152 students in their second to seventh semester majoring in Physical and Health Education to (1) investigate the well-being of students during online classes (2) identify the effectiveness of sport skill subjects learned online among the students and (3) study the relationship between online lectures and the effectiveness of learning sport skill subjects. A descriptive research design was used to describe the effects of e-learning among the students. The findings revealed that students did not suffer any psychological distress during online classes but indicated a lack of confidence in their capabilities in executing the skills in real life. No significant correlation was revealed between lecturing online and the effectiveness of learning sport skill subject learned among the students.

scholarly journals On-Call Duties: The Perceived Impact on Veterinarians' Job Satisfaction, Well-Being and Personal Relationships

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Kogan ◽  
Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher ◽  
Patrick Carney ◽  
Peter Hellyer ◽  
Mark Rishniw
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Information Network ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To assess the impact of on-call duties on veterinarians' job satisfaction, well-being and personal relationships.Design: Cross-sectional survey.Sample: The sample was obtained from Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members in private practice within the United States.Procedures: A link to an anonymous online survey was distributed via an email invitation to all Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members with access from August 15, 2017 to October 21, 2017.Results: A total of 1,945 responses were recorded. The majority of those who reported having on-call duties were female associates. Composite scales were created to assess the impact of on-call shifts on job satisfaction and well-being. Multiple linear regression was conducted and found that gender (p = 0.0311), associate status (p < 0.0001), and age (p = 0.0293) were all significantly associated with on-call related job satisfaction. Additionally, multiple linear regression found that gender (p = 0.0039), associate status (p < 0.0057), and age (p < 0.0001) were all significantly associated with on-call related well-being. On-call shifts were reported by many to have a negative impact on job satisfaction and well-being; this was especially pronounced for female associates. Females had on-call related job satisfaction scores that were, on average, 1.27 points lower than that of males (lower scores equates to lower job satisfaction). Further, females' average on-call related well-being scores were 1.15 points higher than that of males (lower scores equates to higher well-being).Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that on-call shifts have a negative impact on veterinarian job satisfaction, well-being and personal relationships. The negative impact on job satisfaction and well-being is greatest for female associates. Veterinary medicine has been identified as a stressful occupation that can lead to psychological distress. It is therefore important to critically assess current practices that appear to increase stress and reduce emotional well-being. For this reason, it is suggested that veterinary hospitals explore alternative options to traditional on-call shifts.

scholarly journals «LAST MILE DELIVERIES» IN THE FRAMEWORK OF URBAN DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: REVIEW OF BEST PRACTICES

2021 ◽  
pp. 38-64
Author(s):  
Maria Aristea Bakogianni ◽  
◽  
George Malindretos ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Supply Chain Costs ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Urban Distribution ◽  
The Impact

This paper aims to investigate the impact of last mile supply chain practices on urban sustainability. An extensive review of literature has been conducted, on last mile logistics best practices, the impact of e-commerce on last miledeliveries, and the dynamics between the public authorities and private businesses, as well as the role of the final customers, the city dwel-lers. Local authorities being aware of the environmental impact of last mile deliveriesissue regulations and take initiatives towards improving the quality of life for their residents. On the other hand, businesses aim at reducing supply chain costs, improve efficiency and offer quality services to their customers. The review of practices lead into the development of a conceptual framework depicting a holistic perspective of last mile deliveries management, highlighting the dynamics between policy makers (public authorities) and the private sector. Keywords: Urban supply chain, Urban distribution, Urban Logistics, Last mile deliveries, Freight Transport

scholarly journals Proactive Coping and Mindfulness are Associated with Less Stress in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 909-909
Author(s):  
Lyndsey Graham ◽  
Shevaun Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Proactive Coping ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract We examined the consequences of both chronic and life-event stressors for older adults, as well as antecedent strategies, such as proactive coping and mindfulness, that may mitigate stress. Given the potential negative outcomes associated with stress in older adulthood, exploring strategies to reduce or mitigate the negative impact of stress may be useful in promoting well-being in adulthood. Proactive coping involves an accumulation of resources that leads to reduced or avoided stressors in the future (Aspinwall & Taylor, 1997). Mindfulness calls an individual’s attention to the present moment, or may be characterized as an open, accepting attitude (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Using data from the Mindfulness and Anticipatory Coping Everyday study (English et al., 2019; Neupert & Bellingtier, 2017), 296 older adults in the United States, aged 60-90 years (M = 64.67, SD = 4.36), participated in relevant online survey measures. Results from multiple regression analyses suggested that people high in both chronic stress and life event stress had worse health, and that people high in proactive coping and mindfulness reported less stress. Study results underscore the impact of stress on health outcomes, and provide support for the use of antecedent strategies to address negative impacts of stress.

scholarly journals Implications of COVID-19: The Effect of Working From Home on Financial and Mental Well-Being in the UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleftherios Giovanis ◽  
Oznur Ozdamar
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
Working From Home ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

In response to the threat posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the UK prime minister announced on the 23rd of March strict lockdowns and introduced a new way of living and working, at least temporarily. This included working from home (WHF) wherever possible. Many experts from the IT industry were long arguing about the potential for WFH, which suddenly now became indisputable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of WFH on the individuals’ perception about their future financial situation and their mental well-being. We apply a difference-in-differences (DiD) framework using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) combined with the UKHLS COVID-19 survey conducted in April 2020. Our findings suggest that those who have not experienced a shift from working at the employer’s premises to WFH became more concerned about their future financial situation. However, we find that WFH has a negative impact on mental well-being. On the other hand, we find no difference in the mental well-being when we consider those who work from home on occasion. The findings of this study have policy implications for government, firms and health practitioners. In particular, a balance between WFH and at the employer’s premises may provide both financial security and maintain the mental and psychological well-being at satisfying levels.

Impact of COVID-19 social media news on employee behavior: the mediating role of psychological well-being and depression

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aizza Anwar ◽  
Daisy Mui Hung Kee ◽  
Ahmad Salman ◽  
Gul Jabeen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Behavior ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe study's objective is to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social media news (SMN) on work boredom (WB) and task performance (TP). The study proposes that psychological well-being (PWB) and depression mediate the relationship between COVID-19 SMN, WB and TP.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this research was collected from white-collar employees of two Asian countries, Pakistan (study 1, n = 167) and Malaysia (study 2, n = 118), was collected using an online survey during strict movement control order (MCO), work from home, at the beginning of the year 2020.FindingsIn both studies, the PWB of employees mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and their WB. On the other hand, depression only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and WB in Pakistan. PWB only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and TP in study 2. Depression only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and TP in study 1.Research limitations/implicationsA couple of limitations worth noting are that the study adopted a cross-sectional approach. Thus, the sample size is not large in both counties. Because of the outbreak, limited employees agree to be part of an online survey. The scope of the study also restricts the authors to collect data during MCO, when employees were forced to work from home. In Pakistan, MCO began on 20th March and ended on 30th April, while in Malaysia, MCO started on 18th March and ended on 12th May. This also limits the study's claim of generalizability.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the study is to guide practitioners of both Pakistan and Malaysia in developing strategies that help them understand that employees having PWB look for growth and challenging opportunities even during pandemic situations; employers can leverage it to deal with external threats like COVID-19 because improving the PWB can improve TP and reduce WB. The interesting results highlighted the fact that high TP not necessarily means everything is fine with employees, when the uncertainty level is high, employees may be performing well due to fear and depression instead of work motivation. Thus, employers should be more vigilant during a pandemic situation. This study also helps policymakers understand that the overall economic situation affects the individual employee’s state of mind and work behavior.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to scare literature on COVID-19 and SMN and illustrates employees' work behavior when forced to work from home during the MCO.

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