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Re-configuring the jigsaw puzzle: Balancing time, pace, place and space of work in the Covid-19 era

Author

Listed:
  • Kirsteen Grant

    (Edinburgh Napier University, UK)

  • Fiona McQueen

    (Edinburgh Napier University, UK)

  • Sharani Osborn

    (Edinburgh Napier University, UK)

  • Peter Holland

    (Swinburne University, Australia)

Abstract

Drawing on the principles of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and the Work–Home Resources (W-HR) model, this research captured the lived experiences of 19 parents from across Scotland during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The data were derived initially from two digital interviews per participant, with interview content in both cases informed by preceding questionnaires. A third phase of interviews was conducted post the pandemic. Findings revealed that while participants valued increased flexibility gained through enforced home working, this often led to feelings of guilt, working longer hours and perceived work intensification. Work–home conflict emerged as a source of tension, dependent upon social and relational interactions, and physical and shared spaces at home. The authors analyse these issues in the context of job crafting as a means of organising the jigsaw pieces of work–home conflict as participants transitioned to a ‘new normal’. In conclusion they examine the implications and suggest avenues for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Kirsteen Grant & Fiona McQueen & Sharani Osborn & Peter Holland, 2024. "Re-configuring the jigsaw puzzle: Balancing time, pace, place and space of work in the Covid-19 era," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(3), pages 794-815, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:45:y:2024:i:3:p:794-815
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X231195686
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Evan DeFilippis & Stephen Michael Impink & Madison Singell & Jeffrey T. Polzer & Raffaella Sadun, 2020. "Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nature of Work," NBER Working Papers 27612, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Lyn Craig & Brendan Churchill, 2021. "Working and Caring at Home: Gender Differences in the Effects of Covid-19 on Paid and Unpaid Labor in Australia," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(1-2), pages 310-326, April.
    3. Jonathon Halbesleben & Jean-Pierre Neveu & Samantha Paustian-Underdahl & Mina Westman, 2014. "Getting to the “COR”: Understanding the Role of Resources in Conservation of Resources Theory," Post-Print hal-02049109, HAL.
    4. Dustin J. Bluhm & Wendy Harman & Thomas W. Lee & Terence R. Mitchell, 2011. "Qualitative Research in Management: A Decade of Progress," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(8), pages 1866-1891, December.
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