Negative effects of “work from home” culture during the coronavirus pandemic: a gender-based study

Abstract

The objective of the present research is to explore the negative effects of the “Work from Home” culture during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Information Technology (IT) sector, among males and females. Work from Home or working from home (WFH) indicates that an employee is working from their home or place of residence instead of their workplace/office. A two-group design has been followed. The study population consists of employees working in the Information Technology (IT) sector, belonging to the age group of 25-35 years. A purposive cum convenience sampling method was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Scores were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to find out the Cronbach Alpha of the overall questionnaire and separate dimensions, and a t-test was used to analyze the gender differences across dimensions and overall negative effects of work from home. Results suggest that no statistically significant differences exist among males and females on the construct of work-from-home with its dimensions (Work-Life Balance, Psychological Effects, Lifestyle Changes and Social Life) indicating that the “work from home” culture has similar negative effects on both the genders. This research also poses certain limitations and suggested future implications.