Workers' well-being and job performance in the context of COVID-19: a sector-specific approach

Purpose The main objective of this study is to scrutinize the relationship between workers' well-being and job performance across sectors during the first lockdown. The authors also aim to examine the indirect effects of satisfaction with work-life balance, reopening of schools after closure, workload and teleworking on performance through well-being. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a sample of 447 Canadian workers collected online during the first lockdown to perform a series of structural equation models. Findings The results show that workers' well-being increases job performance and satisfaction with work-life balance has a positive indirect effect on job performance through well-being in all sectors. This finding suggests that workers' well-being mediates the relationship between satisfaction with work-life balance and performance. However, the reopening of schools, increased workload and teleworking do not have universal effects across sectors. Practical implications All organizations should implement human resources (HR) practices that promote workers' well-being and family-friendly workplaces, especially during the pandemic. Conversely, teleworking has a sector-specific effect that must be considered when implemented. Originality/value This study stands out by strengthening the bridge between workers' well-being and job performance. The effects of well-being and satisfaction with work-life balance on job performance are universal, while the impact of reopening of schools, increased workload and teleworking are sector-specific.