Effects of Covid 19 on Health status and Quality of life among Software Professionals in a Home based work setting - A Questionnaire based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan city, China.  Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic,to restrict the spread of virus, the Government has imposed strict measures with subsequent lockdowns as a result the home environment has become a workplace for many. Of all sectors the software domain is the most affected. Limited resource facility, work - engagement, work-life balance, family conflicts, stress management have been the challenges faced by these IT professionals working from home.

Aim: To analyze the impact of Covid 19 on health status and quality of life among software professionals in Covid pandemic through validated online questionnaires using google forms.

Materials and Methods:  This cross sectional e-survey was conducted using validated questionnaires through google forms following approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. The questionnaire consisted of 4 open ended and 21 close ended questions.Job stress, physical,mental well being, work life balance, work engagement was assessed.The google form was posted in social media channel groups of software professionals for a period of 2 weeks following which the data was collected.Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.0.

Results: A total of 154 software professionals participated in the study. Of which 80 were females and belonged to the 26-30 years age group. 83% software professionals preferred working in hybrid mode.

This study shows that working hours increased with increased work pressure in a home based work setting (61%). Both work life balance and work engagement was fair in a home based work setting (p-0.0001) Anxiety, depression and emotional problems affected work engagement and work life balance. Some professionals developed physical ailments such as hair fall, vision problems and back ache in a home based work set up.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggests that emotional well being, sleep quality,decision latitude,limited resource facilities and job stress affect  work engagement and work life balance. Hence undertaking appropriate measures proactively to enhance these factors under crisis conditions may mitigate the negative consequences of home-based work setting and  improve the quality of life of software developers in the covid pandemic.