Abstract
In 2020 the Department of Health and Social Development (DHSD) at the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (COJ) were seen as the hotspot of COVID-19, as it had the highest number of active cases within the time frame. By distributing resources in an effective and balanced manner to the most susceptible workplaces and regions-especially those with high rates of human trafficking and informal, densely populated settlements – the DHSD strategy aimed to stop, slow down, and contain the development of COVID-19. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there have been rapid changes in the global workplace that have put the health of millions of employees at risk, including COJ. COVID-19 had an unprecedented impact on working employees and personal life. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed many lives and is posing an unanticipated threat worldwide to food systems, public health, and the workplace. COVID-19 had a major detrimental impact on employee productivity and well-being; employees had to rearrange their living arrangements and set up an ergonomic workstation.
The study investigated the effect of COVID-19 on employee wellness and productivity in the DHSD at the COJ. In order to meet the study's objectives, the researcher made use of a qualitative research method. Data was collected through document analysis as well as through face-to-face semi-structured interviews employees of the municipality. The purpose of the interviews was to determine how COVID-19 effected employee wellness and productivity at the COJ. The study was selected in order to obtain more knowledge and understanding of the effect of COVID-19 on employee wellness and productivity in the COJ.
The study discovered that COVID-19 pandemic changed employment dramatically. Departments had to create health and safety policies for employees who stayed on site, adapt to the new norms of working from home, and respond swiftly to workplace needs. The wide variety of challenges that numerous employees encounter at home combined with these changes have had a significant effect on employee wellness. Concerns regarding the mental health and wellness of employees have grown, and numerous departments have acted to support their staff members. The health and
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wellbeing of employees have been severely damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though employee testimonies included many positive examples of department initiatives, they also highlighted significant areas where wellbeing was compromised and where procedures might be modified going forward. These changes have inevitably had a negative impact on employee wellbeing. Employees now prioritise the health and safety of those who remain on the front lines, and they have to quickly adapt to new laws regarding working from home. The researcher contends that employers and the departments or municipalities need to ensure that employees have access to the necessary technology, software and equipment needed to perform their functions effectively.