Emotional Health of Women in IT: Comparing Work-From-Home and Hybrid Models Post-COVID-19
摘要
The chapter explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the emotional health of women working in the IT sector in India and among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The chapter highlights the need to understand the unique challenges these women faced during and after the pandemic, in work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid work settings. The available literature focused on a single set of IT employees of a specific region and looked from a general health perspective. The study used a comparative study with qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Women from different IT roles and organizations in Hyderabad and abroad were selected through snowball sampling that resulted in six case studies. Six psychologists and counsellors participated in FGDs, which used the theory of positive psychology for the recommendations. The findings, based on thematic analysis of positive psychology, revealed significant emotional distress among women that included struggles with work-life balance and financial concerns during the pandemic. Remote work led to feelings of isolation and stress, particularly for those without proper home workspaces and those juggling household responsibilities. The shift to hybrid work brought mixed results; while some women benefited from flexibility, others faced longer work hours and job insecurity. The study provided structured recommendations for both individuals and organizations, stressing the importance of promoting positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. Wellness programs, engaging online platforms, and family-friendly policies are suggested to support women’s mental health and work-life balance.