Vi är ju ändå designade att vara sociala varelser : En kvalitativ studie om medarbetares upplevelser av distansarbete under coronapandemin

Sammanfattning: Title: “After all, we are designed to be social beings” - A qualitative study on employees’experience of teleworking during the corona pandemic Authors: Anna Bengtsson & Liselotte Lundahl Abstract The aim of this study is to examine how employees in the white-collar sector experience their work situation during mandatory teleworking caused by the corona pandemic. The aim is to answer four questions concerning self-discipline, employer control, work requirements, decision-making space, social support and impact on well-being. The empirical material comprises semi-structured interviews with eight officials who share the experience ofteleworking. The theoretical framework includes Karasek's & Theorell's demand-control-support model and Foucault's theory of power. The results show that self-discipline varies and changes among the employees, with the exception of a few, who continue to have a high level of self-discipline. Great self-discipline is also required to maintain social relations during teleworking. Further, the results show a reduced level of employer's control; there was an uncertainty among the employees about the extent of the employer's supervision. The results also show increased demands for independence, self-determination and decision-making space. There are experiences of reduced decision-making space in connection with difficulties in getting help from colleagues during remote work. Social support has decreased during teleworking, which also affects well-being.The main reason for reduced well-being is the feeling of loneliness and isolation. The conclusions are that teleworking primarily changes communication from being personal to becoming work-related during the corona pandemic. Furthermore, it appears that digital gatherings cannot replace the physical ones. Keywords: Krav, Kontroll, Stöd, Självdisciplin, Teleworking, Telecommuting, Distansarbete,Covid-19, Job demands, Self-control, Self-discipline, Emotional support, Wellbeing, Flexiblework.