Crisis, Adaptation and Well-being: Unpacking the Mechanisms Linking COVID-19 Impact to Employee Flourishing

This article offers an integrated model for examining the perceived COVID-19 impact on employee flourishing (EFSH), anchored in the conservation of resource theory. The present study is the first to empirically establish the significant perceived impact of COVID-19 on career adaptability (CAA) and work–life balance (WLB). Indian IT employees responded to the survey at three time points. Results validated the model and made an essential contribution by extending the theory-based knowledge concerning the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on EFSH. This scholarly work revealed a decline in EFSH and WLB during the pandemic, while the perceived COVID-19 impact positively predicted CAA. Additionally, findings indicated that CAA and WLB partially and simultaneously mediated the strong impact of COVID-19 on EFSH during uncertainty. The current research attempts to minimize the glaring gap in EFSH research and identify potential avenues for further research. The findings can be applied to understand EFSH, adopt strategies to cope with uncertainty and nurture employee CAA, WLB and flourishing.