Work Alienation During COVID-19: Main Factors and Conditions (An Example of University Professors)

Abstract

Background. !e economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic pose a threat to psychological well-being in di"erent spheres of life. In accordance with Self-Determination !eory, it is assumed that working conditions during a pandemic frustrate the psychological needs of people in the workplace, thereby increasing their alienation. Objective. To study the in#uence of working conditions on work alienation among employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. As factors of working conditions, we studied workplace distancing (isolation), temporary #exibility of work, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), and job insecurity. Design. !e study had a correlation design, used a survey, and consisted of two parts. !e $rst part studied a sample of 62 university professors for dynamics of work alienation at three periods of time. !e second part studied 104 subjects for the e"ect of workplace distancing (isolation), temporary #exibility, ICT, and job insecurity on work alienation. Results. In the $rst part of the study, it was found that work alienation increased during the pandemic. !e second part showed that workplace distancing, temporary #exibility of work, ICTs, and job insecurity are signi$cant predictors of work alienation among university professors. Conclusion. Changes in working conditions during a pandemic have negative consequences for employees in the form of alienation from work. !is $nding can have practical application in recommendations for organizations planning structural changes or transfer of employees to telecommuting.