Stress and flexibility. Survey of the employees of the Vienna University Library and the University Archive on the effects of the first lockdown on their work situation

Abstract

With the entry into force of the Covid-19 Measures Act on March 16, 2020, the work situation of approx. 480 employees at the University Library of the University of Vienna changed suddenly. In order to find out how the lockdown phase was perceived, the Innovation Staff Unit carried out an online survey in May 2020. The result shows how heterogeneous this change was perceived subjectively and which difficulties played a role in coping with it. Negative factors such as cramped living conditions, additional care obligations and a lack of technical infrastructure, but also loneliness and isolation, are offset by positive circumstances such as the advantages of working from home (sleeping in, saving on commuting) and greater autonomy. The study shows that the staff was able to cope with the crisis relatively well overall and that it gave the library an enormous boost to digitization of its work processes. But it also shows areas in which there is a need for action.