Working at home during the Covid-19 pandemic: impact on quality of working and quality of life

ABSTRACT

The restrictions implemented by governments in order to contain Covid-19 pandemic have forced millions of people around the world to adapt to new demands in their daily lives, work and studies. Such reformulation of personal, work and social experiences has increased the perception of precariousness and instability, and has questioned the routines and the habits linked to the working and personal behaviours. The aim of the study was to explore (a) the psychological impact of the restrictions on work activity and on the perceived quality of life;(b) the way in which people using their psychological resources, adapted or changed their daily habits and behaviours according to the limitations imposed by the pandemic. The survey used was composed as follows satisfaction with life scale;flourishing scale;ad hoc questionnaire exploring quality of life and work during the pandemic, and personal resources. Data were analysed through mixed methods. The results have highlighted the different impact of the restrictions on the quality of life, the quality of work and the perceived work performance according to the different psychological resources deployed by participants and to their perception of social distancing, time at home, and life-work balance. Furthermore, gender differences were explored. Finally, the study provided useful insights for psychologists and career counselling professionals, who have to face new challenges in supporting their clients even in adverse conditions. © 2021 Sapienza Universita Editrice. All Rights Reserved.