Job-crafting amid uncertainty: South African employee experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted organisations, requiring employees to adapt their work approaches.

Research purpose: This study examines job-crafting strategies among South African employees during the pandemic, focusing on task, cognitive, and relational crafting, along with associated benefits and challenges.

Motivation for the study: Given the pandemic’s impact on South African workplaces, this study explores how employees adapted using job-crafting techniques.

Research approach/design and method: A qualitative descriptive approach within the Social Constructivism paradigm was employed. Data were gathered from 15 South African employees working remotely or in hybrid models through online interviews and analysed thematically.

Main findings: Employees used task crafting to redefine roles for remote work, relational crafting to strengthen virtual connections, and cognitive crafting to maintain purpose. Despite challenges, they reported increased productivity, flexibility, and improved work-life balance.

Practical/managerial implications: Recognising job crafting as a coping mechanism in hybrid work models is crucial. Organisations should foster an environment that empowers employees by aligning work with their strengths, offering autonomy, and encouraging proactive adaptation.

Contribution/value-add: This study provides qualitative insights into job crafting during the pandemic, offering a unique perspective on adaptation within South African workplaces.