COVID-19 AND THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN ZIMBABWE PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in the creation of a new and complex business environment. Labour markets were interrupted and this ignited an enormous and instant series of trials and testing with flexible work arrangements and new relationships. Research to date has emphasized work-life balance (WLB) in the work and family domains only, whilst overlooking the effects of a pandemic as posed by COVID-19. Henceforth existing knowledge on remote working can be questioned in an extraordinary context. The study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the WLB in the post-pandemic period and beyond. It also aimed at exploring the projected abnormalities that are driving a foreseeable future policy revolution in the world of work and employment. The study utilised the qualitative research approach. A survey research design was used to select research participants. Snowballing purposive sampling was also used to get further referrals. The research study included 100 white-collar private-sector employees who completed an online questionnaire. Data were presented and discussed qualitatively. The study revealed that although hybrid and flexible work arrangements would be more central in the post-pandemic for nonmanual work, it will not be an ―one-sizefits-all solution. The traditional work systems and practices are likely to continue and workplaces will not completely disappear. In addition, those who are engaged in manual labour will continue current work practices with increased demands. Employers‘ focus on employees' WLB in the new normal will target employees‘ motivation and achieve a better WLBe. The study recommended that new policies for crisis management and Hybrid work culture should be developed and implemented, especially for office workers. Government must also set aside funds or provide aid to private sector companies to prevent future crises.