The impact of COVID-19 on employee wellbeing in higher education : The experience of a regional university

This paper provides preliminary evidence from an Australian regional university on the challenges confronting higher education employees during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on employee wellbeing. The study explores the challenges experienced at work during the initial onset of COVID and public health orders and how the consequent changes in work practices affected workers and their wellbeing. Specific attention is given to identifying the job demands mostly impacting employee wellbeing and illustrate the areas identified by the participants as being the key to receiving the support to navigate the often-changing work demands. The study highlights the importance of open and consistent communication channels by senior leaders and more consideration of how changes to work practices impact on workload. The study aims to inform future research on how management can achieve sustainable work practices that support employee wellbeing to flourish in our new normal. The study also sheds light on how senior leaders can respond to staff when dealing with pandemics or significant disruptions in the workplace. Findings from the study will also serve to inform government and policymakers on how to proactively resource educational institutions to withstand the new challenges confronting the higher education sector.

Conference abstract.

Bronze open access.