Did perceptions of supportive work-life culture change during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

ObjectiveThis article examines whether perceptions of supportive work–life culture changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic—and if that depended on (1) working from home; (2) children in the household; and (3) professional status. We test for gender differences across the analyses.BackgroundDuring normal times, the “ideal worker” is expected to prioritize the demands of their job and is penalized for attending to family/personal needs while on company time. But the organization and expectations of roles might have changed due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Organizations could have become more empathic or reinforced norms about single‐minded devotion to work.MethodIn September 2019, we collected data from a national sample of Canadian workers. Then, during a pivotal period of shocks to the economy and social life, we re‐interviewed these participants in June 2020.ResultsWe discovered that overall perceptions of work–life culture became more positive. However, subgroup differences revealed this positive change was muted among employees: (1) who worked from home; (2) with children under age 6 at home; and (3) in professional occupations. We found no subgroup differences by gender.ConclusionOur findings address speculation about whether employees perceived their employers as becoming more supportive of work–life fit early in the pandemic. Future research should determine (a) longer‐term change in work–life culture during and after the pandemic; and (b) whether the actual benefits of supportive work–life culture also changed or if it was “window dressing.” This direction suggests it should have more strongly reduced work–life conflict as the pandemic unfolded.