COVID-19 led work environment disruption in India and its impact on the workers’ mental wellbeing

Abstract

This study is designed to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of remote e-workers. The study opts for a survey-based research and measures anxiety related to Covid-19 and job stress through Covid-19-related Anxiety Stress (CAS-7) and new Job Stress Scale (JSS-22) standardized instruments. For a sample of 79 respondents, a moderate Covid-19 related anxiety and Job Stress was observed. The mean score for the CAS was 18.31 ± 3.46 indicating a moderate Covid-19 related anxiety. Further, a noticeable trend was observed in the subscales of the Job Stress Scale where mean Job Stress was 12.32 ± 3.87; and Role Expectation Conflict was 13.86 ± 4.87. Coworker Support was 15.92 ± 4.54 and for Anxiety the score was 12.39 ± 5.15. The overall results of job stress scale indicate a moderate occupational anxiety and stress. Age, gender and the work experience are seen to have varied impacts on the anxiety and stress in e-workers. The study adds support to extending the literature that emphasizes implementation of policies for an improved mental and psychological well-being in the situation like COVID-19 pandemic and in such future disruptive events.