AN ANALYSIS OF POST-PANDEMIC REMOTE WORK CHALLENGES AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG IT PROFESSIONALS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The concept of "working from home" was not a novel idea in the developed world even before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the outbreak of the virus led to a global shift towards remote work, compelling organizations across various industries to rapidly adapt their operations and enable employees to work remotely. While some individuals initially struggled to adapt to this new work arrangement, many have come to appreciate the work-life balance benefits it offers, such as increased flexibility, reduced commuting time, and the ability to integrate personal and professional responsibilities more seamlessly. Even though certain industries have since returned to traditional on-site operations, the IT sector has largely maintained remote work arrangements, recognizing the potential advantages it brings. This study specifically examines the challenges and job satisfaction among IT professionals in Sri Lanka, with job satisfaction as the dependent variable and factors such as work-life balance, isolation and mental health, training and development, management support, and technology and infrastructure as independent variables. The study also suggests potential solutions and recommendations to enable effective remote work, which could help organizations and professionals navigate the evolving landscape of the post-pandemic workplace.