JOB SATISFACTION IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19: EVIDENCE FROM THE JORDANIAN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify employee perceptions regarding the following variables: physical, economic, and social environments, job load, stress, and job satisfaction in both Jordanian private and public sectors. Using structured questionnaires, primary data were collected from 230 employees of public and private organizations, working from home (WFH) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using SmartPLS-3 software and SPSS, multiple regression, independent sample t-test, and descriptive statistics to analyze the data. The results indicate that the most important determinants include both economic and social environments, in addition to job load and stress, which all have a statistically significant effect on job satisfaction among employees. Moreover, there are statistical differences in the level of job satisfaction, specifically in the physical environment, job load, and stress, in favor of private sector employees. This study recommends that the public sector support WFH employees, clarify the general employment terms, and master new online office abilities and virtual work communication skills. Keywords: Job Satisfaction, COVID-19, Public Sector, Private Sector, Work from Home, Jordan DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.4