Identifying and ranking techno-stressors among IT employees due to work from home arrangement during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 across the globe, the extensive use of information technology has become the “new normal” in the present scenario of work from home arrangement. While many claim this policy to be a “win–win” strategy for both the employers and the employees, the Covid-19 pandemic has given the industries a valuable opportunity to assess the advantages and challenges of this strategy from a relatively long-term perspective. The remote work–psychological stress relationship is complex, and the current pandemic characterized by uncertainties and crisis atmosphere is making the situation worse. Amid constant changing scenario and prevailing decision fatigue, the objective of this research is twofolded. First, it aims to identify the techno-stressors impacting IT Professionals in the work from home mode. For this purpose, primary data were collected from 334 IT sector full-time employees and analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Second, derive weight/rank of each techno-stressor using analytical hierarchy process to quantify the relative priority of the techno-stressors. This method includes both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the complex problem. Findings revealed “fear of job loss due to new ICT” due to highest weightage appears to be the most pressing issue while “work beyond office hour” has least weightage. By identifying and prioritizing the type of techno-stressors using the mixed method approach, the present research intends to provide the useful input to decision makers in making wise decisions during Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.