Page 20 - Impact of WfH study report _SCOPE-ILO_Neat

2. Methodology

Even prior to COVID-19, there has been much literature on remote work including
working from home (WfH). These highlighted both positive and negative aspects
ranging from flexible work hours, increased work-life balance and job satisfaction to
lacking communication and feeling isolated from colleagues and organisations
(Wheatley, 2017; Eddleston, & Mulki, 2017; Reshma et.al, 2015; Grant, Wallace, &
Spurgeon, 2013; Staples, 2001; Cascio, 2000).

Whereas WfH in the past was an option for organisations and the workforce, under
the COVID declared pandemic - an unprecedented situation, WfH became imperative
across regions as an immediate step to minimize public health risks. Thus, the working
population transitioned to working from home out of necessity rather than
convenience. So did the workforce in the Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) in India.

However, the transition (though not just specific to India or PSEs but globally reported)
seemed to contain stressors viz. double burden of work including family
responsibilities; lack of infrastructure and related support leading to work related
stress; health concerns; also uncertainty over general safety.

In a spate of studies on ‘working from home’ during COVID-19, the stressors were
emphasized as amplified during the pandemic (Carnevale & Hatak, 2020;
Gorlick, 2020; Prasad et al., 2020) and called for employers to address employee well-
being. The protective or mitigating factors recurrently underscored included regular,
managerial communication; positive organizational climate; policy and organizational
support; training opportunities and career-support, etc. (Dingel & Neiman, 2020; Costa
& Tumagole, 2020). These mitigating efforts were expected to facilitate the adjustment
during the transition phase to WfH.

The COVID induced work from home arrangement provided SCOPE-ILO an
opportunity to understand the gender-differentiated impact of such an arrangement
especially on women employees; more so, as in one of its recently concluded study
(2018), women employees in PSEs had cited WfH as one of the most influential factors
for a better work-life balance, and their career advancement.

A consultative meeting was held with SCOPE and the Network of Champions, who
represent different PSEs, and most are members of Women in Public Sector (WIPS)
forum. During the consultation, a study plan along with methodological approach was
chalked out, discussed and finalised.

2.1 Two tiered approach

The two tiered approach of the study used both quantitative and qualitative method
i.e. an online survey (administered to women executives in PSEs); and Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs) with senior management and decision makers in selected PSEs,
which are SCOPE member organisations. The methodology of each level of the study
is described in turn below.

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