scholarly journals Remote workers’ wellbeing in the age of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Caldeira ◽  
Leticia S. Machado ◽  
Marcelo G. Perin ◽  
Cleidson R. B. de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Common Ground ◽  
Organizational Management ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Remote Collaboration ◽  
Collaboration Technology ◽  
Remote Workers ◽  
Collaboration Readiness ◽  
The Impact

Social isolation measures used worldwide to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 led many office workers to work remotely with little notice. While researchers have studied remote collaboration for more than two decades, the scale and context of remote work during a pandemic is unprecedented and has changed personal and work dynamics. In this paper, we discuss a survey study investigating the impact of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, informed by Olson & Olson's framework for distributed collaboration. We report preliminary findings from this study, focusing specifically on workers' wellbeing. Our results suggest that the main factors influencing workers' well beings are Common Ground Challenges, Collaboration Readiness, Collaboration Technology Readiness, Organizational Management, and Interruptions.

scholarly journals Working from home is the new black: into the private world of remote collaboration in COVID-19 lockdowns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnaud Prouzeau ◽  
Lonni Besançon ◽  
Joanne Mihelcic
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Remote Collaboration ◽  
New Ways Of Working ◽  
Private World ◽  
Working From Home ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Directions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the globe implemented Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs), one of which being Working From Home (WFH). In this paper we present an ethnographic investigation into the adaptations of working spaces and habits due to the adoption of WFH. We interviewed 12 participants from different industry contexts in order to cover a wide range of tools and practices used to conduct remote work. We focus on the importance and benefits of the different technologies available and how they impact collaboration. We discuss challenges experienced by participants in organizing their workspace at home, the impact of workload on practices, and the growing worries about isolation. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the changing physical, social and technological environments in designing new ways of working and collaborating remotely. From our results, we finally derive new directions for the HCI and CSCW research agenda on the topic of WFH.

Socio-Technical Influences on Virtual Research Environments

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Ponti
Keyword(s):  
Common Ground ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Technology Readiness ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Collaborative Environment ◽  
Research Environments ◽  
Collaboration Readiness

A number of socio-technical aspects that influence interorganizational research collaboration are embedded in local work contexts. Thus, they should be a main concern for the design of virtual research environments. A review of forty papers from different research fields provided an understanding of the influence of eleven socio-technical aspects grouped according to the following categories: nature of work; common ground; collaboration readiness; management style and leadership; technology readiness. There are five main implications for the design of virtual research environments. Emphasis is placed on the importance of consulting the stakeholders so that they suggest solutions and ideas, and imbue the collaborative environment with the values required for it to be sustainable.

scholarly journals Job stress and loneliness among remote workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuyu Miyake ◽  
Chimed-Ochir Odgerel ◽  
Ayako Hino ◽  
Kazunori Ikegami ◽  
Tomohisa Nagata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Job Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Supervisor Support ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Remote Workers ◽  
Worker Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Background: To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), physical distancing and isolation are crucial strategies in society. However, this response to the pandemic promotes loneliness. Previous studies have reported an increase in loneliness since the outbreak of COVID-19, but there is little evidence on the relationship between job stress and loneliness among remote workers. Aims: To assess the relationship between job stress and loneliness among remote workers. Methods: This study is a part of nation-wide cross-sectional online survey evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. A total of 27,036 full-time workers completed the self-administrated questionnaire in December 2020. We extracted data on 4,052 desk workers who indicated that they were doing remote work. Loneliness was assessed using a single question and job stress was measured using the Job Content Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was performed. Results: Frequency of remote work was moderately associated with loneliness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.46, P = 0.033). Participants who reported of having a low level of co-worker or supervisor support had greater odds of feeling lonely than those who were highly supported (co-worker support: AOR = 4.06, 95% CI: 2.82-5.84, P <0.001; supervisor support: AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.79-3.47, P <0.001). Conclusions: Co-worker support and supervisor support were strongly associated with loneliness, whereas frequency of remote work was moderately associated with feeling lonely. Support from co-workers and supervisors may be crucial factors to prevent loneliness caused by remote work.

Are Remote and Non-Remote Workers Different? Exploring the Impact of Trust, Work Experience and Connectivity on Performance Outcomes

2002 ◽  
pp. 302-324
Author(s):  
D. Sandy Staples
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Weak Support ◽  
Remote Employees ◽  
Remote Workers ◽  
Role Of It ◽  
The Impact

Information technology (IT) is enabling the creation of virtual organizations and remote work practices. As this practice of employees working remotely from their managers and colleagues grows, so does the importance of making these remote end-users of technology effective members of organizations. This study tested a number of relationships that were suggested in the literature as being relevant in a remote work environment. Interpersonal trust of the employees in their managers was found to be strongly associated with higher self-perceptions of performance, higher job satisfaction and lower job stress. There was weak support for the impact of physical connectivity (i.e., the availability of IT) on job satisfaction, supporting the enabling role of IT. These findings were similar for both remote employees (i.e., those that worked in a different building than their managers) and non-remote employees. However, more frequent communications between the manager and employee was associated with higher levels of interpersonal trust only with the remote workers. Cognition-based trust was also found to be more important than affect-based trust in a remote work environment, suggesting that managers of remote employees should focus on activities that demonstrate competence, responsibility and professionalism.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged &lt;18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

Hospital Informatization in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Internet-Based Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Zeng ◽  
Weiguo Zhu ◽  
Caiyou Wang ◽  
Liyan Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Security ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Qr Code ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Network Information ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The rapid spread of COVID-19 has created a severe challenge to China’s healthcare system. Hospitals across the country reacted quickly under the leadership of the Chinese government and implemented a range of informatization measures to effectively respond to the COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To understand the impact of the pandemic on the medical business of Chinese hospitals and the difficulties faced by hospital informatization construction. To discuss the application of hospital informatization measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. To summarize the practical experience of hospitals using information technology to fight the pandemic. METHODS Performing a cross-sectional on-line questionnaire survey in Chinese hospitals, of which the participants are invited including hospital information staff, hospital administrators, medical staff, etc. Statistical analyzing the collected data by using SPSS version 24. RESULTS A total of 804 valid questionnaires (88.45%) are collected in this study from 30 provinces in mainland China, of which 731 (90.92%) were filled out by hospital information staff. 473 (58.83%) hospitals are tertiary hospitals while the remaining 331 (41.17%) are secondary hospitals. The majority hospitals (82.46%) had a drop in their business volume during the pandemic and a more substantial drop is found in tertiary hospitals. 70.40% (n=566) of hospitals have upgraded or modified their information systems in response to the epidemic. The proportion of tertiary hospitals that upgraded or modified systems is significantly higher than that of secondary hospitals. Internet hospital consultation (70.52%), pre-check and triage (62.56%), telemedicine (60.32%), health QR code (57.71%), and telecommuting (50.87%) are the most used informatization anti-pandemic measures. There are obvious differences in the application of information measures between tertiary hospitals and secondary hospitals. Among these measures, most of them (41.17%) are aiming at serving patients and most of them (62.38%) are universal which continue to be used after pandemic. The informatization measures are mostly used to control the source of infection (48.19%), such as health QR Code, etc. During the pandemic, the main difficulties faced by the hospital information department are “information construction projects are hindered” (58.96%) and “increased difficulty in ensuring network information security” (58.58%). There are significant differences in this issue between tertiary hospitals and secondary hospitals. The shortcomings of hospital informatization that should be made up for are “shorten patient consultation time and optimize consultation process” (72.51%), “Ensure network information security” (72.14%) and “build internet hospital consultations platform” (59.95%). CONCLUSIONS A significant number of innovative medical information technology have been used and played a significant role in all phases of COVID-19 prevention and control in China. Since the COVID-19 brought many challenges and difficulties for informatization work, hospitals need to constantly improve their own information technology skills to respond to public health emergencies that arise at any moment.

scholarly journals Psychological impact in the time of COVID-19: A cross-sectional population survey study during confinement

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532098558
Author(s):  
Carmina Castellano-Tejedor ◽  
María Torres-Serrano ◽  
Andrés Cencerrado
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Population Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Females ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The transformation that COVID-19 has brought upon the world is unparalleled. The impact on mental health is equally unprecedented and yet unexplored in depth. An online-based survey was administered to 413 community-based adults during COVID-19 confinement to explore psychological impact and identify high risk profiles. Young females concerned about the future, expressing high COVID-related distress, already following psychological therapy and suffering from pre-existing chronic conditions, were those at highest risk of psychological impact due to the COVID-19 situation. Findings could be employed to design tailored psychological interventions in the early stages of the outbreak to avoid the onset/exacerbation of psychopathology.

scholarly journals Home Production and Leisure during the COVID-19 Recession

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Leukhina ◽  
Zhixiu Yu
Keyword(s):  
Labor Markets ◽  
Time Allocation ◽  
Home Production ◽  
Market Work ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Work Arrangements ◽  
Production Activity ◽  
Married Individuals ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Between the months of February and April of 2020, average weekly market hours in the U.S. dropped by 6.25, meanwhile 36% of workers reported switching to remote work arrangements. In this paper, we examine implications of these changes for the time allocation of different households, and on aggregate. We estimate that home production activity increased by 2.65 h a week, or 42.4% of lost market hours, due to the drop in market work and rise in remote work. The monthly value of home production increased by $39.65 billion – that is 13.55% of the concurrent $292.61 billion drop in monthly GDP. Although market hours declined the most for single, less educated individuals, the lost market hours were absorbed into home production the most by married individuals with children. Adding on the impact of school closures, our estimate of weekly home production hours increases by as much as 4.92 h. The increase in the value of monthly home production between February and April updates to $73.57 billion. We also report the estimated impact of labor markets and telecommuting on home production for each month in 2020.

scholarly journals The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danna Oomen ◽  
Annabel D. Nijhof ◽  
Jan R. Wiersema
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Previous studies have reported a negative psychological and mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This impact is likely to be stronger for people with autism as they are at heightened risk of mental health problems and because the pandemic directly affects social functioning and everyday routines. We therefore examined COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in mental health, the impact of the pandemic on their social life and routines, satisfaction with pandemic-related information and tips, and participants’ wishes for guidance. Methods We used a mixed-method approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative survey data from adults with and without autism across three European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK (N = 1044). Results We found an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms in response to the pandemic for both the non-autism and the autism group, which was greater for adults with autism. Furthermore, adults with autism showed a greater increase in worries about their pets, work, getting medication and food, and their own safety/security. They felt more relieved from social stress, yet experienced the loss of social contact as difficult. Adults with autism also felt more stressed about the loss of routines. Pleasant changes noted by adults with autism were the increase in solidarity and reduced sensory and social overload. Adults with autism frequently reported problems with cancellation of guidance due to the pandemic and expressed their wish for (more) autism-specific information and advice. Limitations Our sample is likely to reflect some degree of selection bias, and longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term effects. Conclusions Results highlight the psychological burden of the pandemic on adults with autism and shed light on how to support them during this COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially important now that the pandemic is likely to have a prolonged course. There is a need for accessible, affordable (continued) support from health services. Guidance may focus on the maintenance of a social network, and adjusting routines to the rapid ongoing changes. Finally, we may learn from the COVID-19 pandemic-related changes experienced as pleasant by adults with autism to build a more autism-friendly society post-pandemic.

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