The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work-life balance of expatriates in the Netherlands
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2022-09-21
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en
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic various measurement and restrictions were taken in the Netherlands to prevent the virus from spreading. Borders were closed, people were advised to work from home and the social life was on hold, which all had an impact on people’s lives, resulting in having an influence on the work-life balance. Expatriates are seen to be more vulnerable for crisis, because they do not know the local customs, do not have a large local support system and experience accumulating stress. This study investigates the work-life balance of expatriates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Answering the research question: How does the COVID-19 pandemic influences the work-life balance of expatriates in the Netherlands? To answer this research question, a qualitative study with an abductive approach has been carried out. Fifteen semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic influences the work-life balance in different ways. The work-life balance is negatively influenced due to the working from home policy. Some expatriates find it difficult to keep their work life and social life separate while working from home. On the other hand, the work-life balance was also positively influenced by working from home policy as the expatriates had more time for themselves. Furthermore, the family of the expatriates are still in their home countries. Expatiates worry about their family, because they do not want their family to get sick from the virus, which results in a poorer work-life balance. The expatriates still try to keep the balance and get support from friends and other expatriates.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen