The influence of social distancing on employee well-being: a conceptual framework and research agenda

Abstract

PurposeThe ongoing pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus has severely influenced lives and livelihoods. As service organizations either face hibernation or continuity of their business operations, the impact of social distancing measures raises major concerns for the well-being of service employees. In this paper, the authors develop a conceptual framework to examine how different social distancing practices impact an organization's service continuity or service hibernation, which in turn affects different dimensions of their employee subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on macroeconomic data and industrial reports, linking them to theoretical concepts to develop a conceptual framework and a research agenda to serve as a starting point to fully understand the impact of this pandemic on employee well-being.FindingsThis article develops an overarching framework and research agenda to investigate the impact of social distancing practices on employee well-being.Originality/valueThe authors propose two opposing business concepts – service continuity and service hibernation – as possible responses to social distancing measures. By bridging different theoretical domains, the authors suggeste that there is a need to holistically examine macro-, meso- and micro-level factors to fully understand the impact of social distancing–related measures on employee well-being.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourism: A DEMATEL method analysis on quarantine decisions

“…Initially, travel restrictions between certain countries and advisory measures like work from home to promote social distancing are applied. However, they realized that the virus had already spread, and many governments switched to mandatory restrictions like lockdowns and travel bans ( Tuzovic and Kabadayi, 2020 ). In another study, Tsionas (2020) discussed the problem of post-COVID-19 gradual adjustment in the tourism and hospitality industry.…”

The transformative service paradox: the dilemma of wellbeing trade-offs

“…In the absence of a COVID-19 vaccine, countries worldwide implemented social distancing (Tuzovic and Kabadayi, 2020) measures to prevent the spread of the contagious and even lethal virus. However, social distancing, conceivably resulting in social isolation, is in stark contrast with the deep-rooted human instinct to connect with others and therefore resulting in feelings of loneliness (Bavel et al, 2020).…”

The Effects of Job Insecurity on Employees’ Financial Well-Being and Work Satisfaction Among Chinese Pink-Collar Workers

“…Organizations and their management must understand how employees view personal and family FWB and offer financial planning training and services to employees to help them and their families cope with economic uncertainties and manage their stress. It is particularly essential in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit the global economy and people's livelihoods in an unprecedented scale and manner, even though governments all over the world have implemented economic simulation packages and income protection schemes (Brewer & Gardiner, 2020;Tuzovic & Kabadayi, 2020). Tuzovic and Kabadayi (2020) suggested that while social and financial supports from governments can offer relief in financial difficulties for those employees who lose their jobs in the short-term, the prolonged COVID-19 will inevitably adversely affect employee well-being including FWB significantly.…”