Demands and Resources of Working from Home: From Pandemic to Economic Crisis

Abstract

Situated in the backdrop of Sri Lanka, this article delves into the challenges hindering work from home (WFH) for employees and explores how organisations have navigated these hurdles during the ever-evolving stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic turmoil. Employing a qualitative approach, 77 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 46 individuals—comprising 20 employees and 26 human resources practitioners (HRPs). Some participants were interviewed multiple times, offering insights into various phases of the study. Through the lens of the job demands and resources (JD-R) framework, our analysis uncovered four key job demands impeding remote work and identified resources that have empowered employees to navigate and alleviate these challenges: (a) adjustment demands and resources, (b) work demands and resources, (c) family demands and resources, and (d) emotional demands and resources. Despite persistent challenges across stages, their manifestations were unique. Even after two years of widespread WFH practice and extensive use of resources, WFH demands endure in diverse ways. In conclusion, our findings underscore numerous resources available to HRPs, offering valuable insights to address WFH demands and fortify the success and sustainability of WFH practices.