Work Adaptation and Employee Well-Being: Uncovering the Significance of Work Pattern Choices of Higher Education Employees During the Pandemic

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ABSTRACT Background Maintaining a pleasant work environment and striking a healthy work-life balance are critical for improving employee well-being and performance. The Job Stress and Health model sheds light on acute challenges that employees confront as a result of numerous work-related or external variables. The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in abrupt changes in work habits and lifestyles, resulting in severe stress and disruptions to people’s physical and mental health around the world. Purpose During the pandemic, this study was undertaken to investigate employee work pattern choices, such as work from home, blended work, or work from the office. Methods This study examined how work pattern decisions affected HEI employees’ well-being during the COVID-19 epidemic using the Job Stress and Health model and an online survey. To investigate work model preferences and challenges, demographics, work patterns, and well-being indicators including sleep and performance were collected and evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study questionnaire was close-ended and prepared in English. Results Even after the pandemic, a significant proportion of employees preferred the blended work paradigm, showing the long-term impact of the shift in work habits. Furthermore, the shift in work schedules has had an impact on employee well-being, particularly changes in sleep patterns. Discussion Even though the employees of higher education are adaptable and accept a blended work model, it is important to note that work-related stress and inefficiency can arise depending on the resource requirements. Also, physical and mental health aspects while working remotely or in a blended model need consideration, especially when implemented in the long term. Translation to Health Education Practice Understanding the effects of these work pattern choices on employee well-being is critical for organizations to adopt policies that foster a healthy work environment and assist employees in reaching optimal work-life balance. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.