THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF WORKING FROM HOME (WFH) ON YOUNG EMPLOYEES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

In the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries witnessed lockdowns during the Spring of 2020 as the major preventive measure for reducing the spread of this novel virus. Many organizations shifted to operate remotely, and the employees started working from home. In this article, we document the effects of work from home (WFH) on young employees during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Pakistan. Our study of 204 young employees from the age group of 18 to 35 years performing WFH during the lockdown substantiates, quality family-time and work productivity have increased. However, the increase in screen time of employees, and stress of WFH led to physical symptoms, such as muscle and eye strains, changes in sleep pattern and duration, and diet patterns. The study found that family disturbance during work time is the major challenge along with data insecurity while working remotely.