Academics' Work Life Balance During Pandemic

Abstract

Some problems occur regarding work-life balance during the pandemic. This study tries to understand how lecturers face stressful situations related to job changes from traditional working in the office (before the pandemic) to working from home (pandemic) and then working from anywhere (after the pandemic). Data were collected from observations and in-depth surveys at two universities in Surabaya, Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative phenomenological approach. The research focuses on how lecturers respond to changes in work patterns during the pandemic. There were 26 informants interviewed, consisting of lecturers and administrative staff. In addition to interviews, this research actively participates in and collects various documents related to policies during the pandemic. There are three findings in this study. First, universities respond quickly to changes related to the development of the Covid-19 virus following government regulations regarding classroom learning policies. Second, lecturers and administrative staff continue to carry out their activities during the pandemic. Lecturers continue to perform their tri dharma, teaching, research, and community service. These activities use technology through Online Learning. In the new normal era, although learning has been carried out offline in the classroom, online learning techniques are still. Third, changing work patterns, especially during the lockdown, where work done at home creates pressure. There are two types of pressure, pressure due to multiple roles that must be carried out simultaneously at home and pressure due to the mandatory use of online learning technology.