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.