Employee satisfaction during the transition from work from home to hybrid workplace: exploring the role of mindfulness

Abstract

Purpose The unprecedented changes during the pandemic to work from home (WFH) and back to office or hybrid during the post-pandemic scenario witnessed resistance to such changes among the employees. This study aims to analyse the effect of the resistance to change from WFH among the employees from a psychological perspective. Also, study analyses the mindfulness effects on manging the psychological distress and envisioning positive outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 employees in India, and data was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings The study found significant relationships of resistance to change from WFH with psychological distress, life and job satisfaction. The study also found that mindfulness dampens the negative effects of psychological distress with both life and job satisfaction. Future studies may focus on longitudinal studies to explore more effects on this aspect.

Originality/value The study stands among the pioneers that discuss the hybrid work scenario during the post pandemic situation, considering employee’s resistance to change, associated psychological distress and role of mindfulness to cope with this.