Nonstandard work week and work schedules influence on motivation and productivity, work culture and attitudes among front line workers in Nantucket, MA during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The study explores the influence of nonstandard work week on front-line workers’ motivation, productivity, work culture and attitudes in Nantucket, MA during COVID-19 pandemic. The main research questions of the study are whether nonstandard work week and schedules had any influence on front-line workers’ motivation, productivity, work culture and attitudes in Nantucket, MA during COVID-19 pandemic. The sample population was chosen from year-round residents of Nantucket who were employed on the island any time between April 2020 through April 2022. The data was collected using a mixed method and questionnaires distributed using the ‘Facebook’ social medial network. Of the 305 participants, 226 agreed that they have nonstandard work schedule (74 percent), 224 agreed or somewhat agreed that nonstandard work schedule did not decrease their motivation to go to work (74 percent), 184 agreed or somewhat agreed that nonstandard work schedule did not decreased their productivity, 176 agreed or somewhat agreed that their work culture became more stressful and competitive (59 percent), and 188 disagreed with the fact that nonstandard work schedules changed their work attitudes in a negative way (62 percent) during COVID-19 pandemic. While most front-line employees were stressed because of potential exposure to COVID-19, losing their job, not being able to provide for their families, eventually they learnt how to accommodate nonstandard work hours, work alongside CDC imposed regulations, keep good morale, work as a team, be creative, and help each other. Managers dedicated extra time to personal meetings with employees, provided them with support and incentives, became their friends and companions rather than bosses.