Workplace Challenges during the Covid-19 Pandemic in a Private Institution of Higher Learning

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected both people and organizations. However, several studies on the pandemic’s effects on the workplace in the educational sector have mainly focused on developed countries. This qualitative case study aimed to describe the challenges faced by the faculty of a private institution of higher learning in a developing country during the Covid-19 pandemic and how they coped with these challenges. Nine faculty members were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data analysis followed the thematic approach outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings highlighted challenges such as the country’s economic condition; the level of preparedness of the organization, faculty, and students; technology; and the teaching faculty’s health conditions. The faculty members met these challenges differently based on their personal skills and the institution’s available resources. The participants thought that the institution’s leaders needed to invest more resources to meet the future demands of the job. The major recommendation is that the administration prepares the faculty and puts mechanisms in place to help the organization thrive.