Will It Ever Go Back to Normal? Working Since the Pandemic: The Changes, Struggles, Supports, and Hopes

Raida Abu Bakar (), Rosmawani Che Hashim (), Man Chung Low (), Mohammad Rezaur Razzak () and Sharmila Jayasingam ()
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Raida Abu Bakar: Universiti Malaya
Rosmawani Che Hashim: Universiti Malaya
Man Chung Low: Universiti Malaya
Mohammad Rezaur Razzak: Sultan Qaboos University
Sharmila Jayasingam: Universiti Malaya

Chapter Chapter 4 in Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Employee Well-Being, 2023, pp 51-70 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the working world dramatically (Lund et al. in The future of work after COVID-19, McKinsey Global Institute, 2021). The future of work after COVID-19. McKinsey Global Institute. https://www.theedgemarkets.com/content/advertise/prioritising-employees-holistic-wellbeing-workforce-returns-office ). Millions experienced lost or reduced income. An already stressful work life exacerbated due to sudden change in work style, such as work from home (WFH) and digitalization. Elusive standard operating procedures (SOPs) taken by the government have added to workers’ burden. Although WFH had some benefits, workers were struggling as depression and anxieties set in, stemming from minimal grace period for performance, and threatened job security. Due to job insecurity, people were also working harder. According to social exchange theory, there is a voluntary expectation of returns (such as by working harder), when workers think they have received some support, even when not stipulated in advance (Blau in Exchange and power in social life. John Wiley & Sons, 1964; Homans, Social behavior and its elementary forms, Harcourt, 1961). This chapter discusses how work has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19, in the context of Malaysia. The struggles workers faced during the pandemic are disclosed. It is followed by suggestions and coping mechanisms in which the government, organizations, and workers employ to alleviate the various disruptions experienced during the pandemic. The women experiences during these unexpected times are further illustrated. The chapter closes on how people can work and live in co-existence with the virus.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-0432-7_4

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