(The Mediating Role of Quality of Work Life in the Relationship between Working from Home during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Process and Intention to Leave)

Abstract

Purpose – The COVID-19 outbreak has a negative impact on many areas of life, so various measures are taken to ensure social isolation. Beyond these measures, some expectations of employees have emerged from their organizations to overcome their concerns about health and safety. Organizations make some arrangements to meet these expectations and protect the existing workforce. While some of the employees continue to go to workplaces, some of them have started to work from home due to arrangements. The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between working from home (WFH) during the outbreak and the intention to leave and the mediator role of perceived quality of work life in this relation. Design/methodology/approach – The relational scanning method was used in the research. Snowball sampling method was used to reach the participants and data were obtained from 292 white collar employees who answered the online survey. Data collection tools consist of the Demographic Information Form which contains information about working from home, Quality of Work Life Scale and Intention to Turnover Scale. It was evaluated by correlation and multiple hierarchical linear mediator regression analysis in the SPSS 21 package. Findings – The multiple hierarchical linear mediator regression analysis indicated that WFH in the outbreak process had a negative relationship with the intention to leave and perceived quality of work life mediated this relationship. Discussion – WFH seems to respond to basic needs of individuals in health, safety and economy issues during the outbreak and thus they want to continue working in their current organizations. In order to protect the benefits of WFH in the post-outbreak process, attention should be paid to match this system with the expectations of individuals.