Work Adaptation of Supporting Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University, Thailand
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Abstract
This article aims to 1) study the work adaptation of supporting staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2) analyze problems and offer suggestions for supporting staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case study approach applied in this qualitative research engaged eighteen key informants selected through purposive sampling, consisting of supporting staff from the seven divisions of the Faculty of Social Sciences. This study used an interview guideline with participant observation techniques for data collection and the content analysis method for the data analysis. The findings revealed five (5) work adaptation dimensions of supporting staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are: 1) contact and communication, 2) document management, 3) organizing meetings, 4) obeying COVID-19 prevention measures, and 5) following the COVID-19 news and information. The supporting staff has adapted methods, created tools, and provided new equipment to operate their work during the pandemic. Problems of work adaptation vary accordingly in different functions of each division, such as lack of technological skills of supporting staff, limitation of phone calls' explanation in complicated tasks, not using all functions of the NU e-doc system, lagging internet speed, and weak computer performance, and confusion or unclear COVID-19 prevention measures of the faculty. The findings from this study may offer valuable insights to executive leaders, informing them of their plans and measures for addressing future disasters or crises, including the support and well-being of staff.
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