Investigating women employees’ experiences of returning to the office after working remotely due to Coronavirus: the case of the College of Humanities, Pietermaritzburg campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
dc.contributor.advisor | Muthuki, Janet Muthoni. | |
dc.contributor.author | Peters, Perdita Honorine. | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-16T12:59:03Z | |
dc.date.available | 2025-07-16T12:59:03Z | |
dc.date.created | 2024 | |
dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
dc.description | Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. | |
dc.description.abstract | This research investigated women employees’ experiences of returning to the office after working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic within the College of Humanities, Pietermaritzburg Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The pandemic has profoundly influenced women’s employment, particularly as they confront the intricacies of reintegrating into office environments. Organisations adapted to the challenges engendered by the pandemic, leading to a scenario where numerous women transitioned from conventional office settings to remote work arrangements. This transformation not only modified their work dynamics but also illuminated persistent issues of gender inequality, work-life balance, and the necessity for adaptable work configurations. COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for transformation, underscoring the disparities in employment experiences contingent upon gender and socioeconomic status, thereby necessitating a comprehensive reassessment of workplace policies and practices. This study is significant as it highlights the exacerbation of gender inequalities in the workplace during and after the pandemic. The study examined how the pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties related to work-life balance for women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities. By comprehending the elements that underpin the gender gap and executing measures to mitigate them, organisations can strive toward establishing more equitable and inclusive workplace settings. As organisations progress, it is essential to confront these obstacles and utilise the insights gained during the pandemic to develop a more just and supportive work environment for women. This study used a qualitative research design since it aimed to investigate the experiences of women returning to the office after working remotely. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used for the research. Data were collected from both secondary and primary sources. A case study approach was also employed, focusing on the College of Humanities as a case study. Thematic analysis was used in the study. The findings show that most women perform the majority of child care and domestic responsibilities. They suggest that having children, poor social support systems, and increased workloads affect women’s ability to take promotional steps at work. The findings also indicate that males had more time to excel at career advancement during COVID-19, whereas women had so many more responsibilities that “climbing the ladder” was difficult. Women with younger children faced more challenges since their children depended more on them. The study highlights the pressing need for institutional reforms and specialised support to confront these disparities and cultivate a more equitable academic space at the UKZN post-pandemic. The ramifications of the findings imply that women in academia may encounter heightened obstacles in attaining equity in employment and advancement prospects in the aftermath of the pandemic. This study contributes to existing literature on women employees’ experiences during COVID-19 and upon returning to the office after working remotely. It provides insight into the experiences faced by UKZN women employees, particularly in the College of Humanities, Pietermaritzburg Campus, and advises on the development of flexible work policies. The study also provides insight into the implementation of inclusive policies and the cultivation of a societal transformation aimed at achieving gender equity. By addressing these issues, it is possible to progress toward a future characterised by greater equity that acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of women employees. | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10413/23844 | |
dc.language.iso | en | |
dc.subject.other | COVID-19. | |
dc.subject.other | Gender equity. | |
dc.subject.other | Gender-inclusive policies. | |
dc.subject.other | Women in academia. | |
dc.subject.other | Flexible work hours. | |
dc.title | Investigating women employees’ experiences of returning to the office after working remotely due to Coronavirus: the case of the College of Humanities, Pietermaritzburg campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal. | |
dc.type | Thesis | |
local.sdg | SDG5 | |
local.sdg | SDG8 | |
local.sdg | SDG3 |
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