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

Grant, Kirsteen; McQueen, Fiona; Osborn, Sharani; Holland, Peter

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.

Citation

Grant, K., McQueen, F., Osborn, S., & Holland, P. (2024). Re-configuring the jigsaw puzzle: Balancing time, pace, place and space of work in the Covid-19 era. Economic and Industrial Democracy, 45(3), 794-815. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x231195686

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 27, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 8, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-08
• Deposit Date: Sep 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 11, 2023
• Journal: Economic and Industrial Democracy
• Print ISSN: 0143-831X
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7099
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 794-815
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x231195686
• Keywords: COR theory, job crafting, work-home conflict, Work-Home Resources model