The New Normal?

Abstract

Purpose: This thesis aims to examine how knowledge workers experienced the changes produced by the corona crisis, resulting in a new work organization; remote work and virtual communication during the lockdown. More specifically, the advantages and disadvantages that knowledge workers experienced in the new work context have been examined and the strategies they created in order to navigate this new context. Design and methodology: The thesis is based on a phenomenological approach and examines and captures the knowledge workers’ experiences and perceptions of the new work organization. The research is based on qualitative methodology and is conducted as a single case study. The empirical data for this thesis is collected firstly from an exploratory focus group interview, which has served as a preliminary analysis and building block for the semi-structured interviews. The data collection has primarily been achieved through seven semi-structured interviews and a single interview with HR. Findings: The main findings of the empirical analysis touch upon how the case organization must assess and re-evaluate the extent to which their values can be recreated in the new work contexts. Furthermore, the analysis shows that the primary advantage of the new work organization consists in increased flexibility where the need for autonomy and self-actualization is met. In contrast, it is inferred that the most significant costs result in social loss, primarily the informal aspect in the workplace. In addition, two problems are found: 1. A concern for a future polarization between those who want to work at home, and those who want to work in the office. 2. It has been found that some knowledge workers experience a bad conscience when working from home. Finally, the findings from the analysis are discussed at a more abstract and macro level, exploring what organizations should be aware of during the post-corona period. The thesis contributes to the HR field as we may experience changes in working conditions after the lockdown. Future research: Lockdown is a relatively new situation in which many knowledge workers have worked at home like never before and working digitally. The thesis thus hopes to contribute to the theoretical and academic research field. It is acknowledged that there still is a need for research in this area. Several suggestions for further research are thus presented, such as further investigation of the organizational culture, personality profiles and the appropriate leadership style, in the exploration of the new work organization