Functioning of academic teachers in the conditions of the COVID-19 epidemy in Poland in 2020 (qualitative test on the basis of self-assessment)

Abstract

PURPOSE: This paper seeks the functioning of academic teachers in terms of the consequences of their remote work, based on their quality of professional life as well as the sense of well-being among the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article consists of two parts, theoretical, in which the authors explain the concepts of remote work productivity, quality of life and mental well-being of academic teachers, and empirical based on a qualitative analysis of the results of the research. The study was conducted in a group of 21 academic teachers, with the use of 21 structured indepth interviews, addressing the issue of the functioning of the professional quality of life of this social group of people.

FINDINGS: The conducted research showed a different level of academic teachers' assessments regarding their own productivity in digital competences for remote work, as well as assessments related to the quality of professional life and the sense of mental well-being in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though several statements indicate a negative assessment of their own productivity, quality of professional life and sense of mental well-being, and that in all statements, the feeling of stress in the situation was observed, the fact that some teachers revealed pro-social values, the implementation of the mission of the teaching profession and the search for coping opportunities yourself in the face of difficulties and inconvenient situations.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The conducted study will allow the use of its results in relation to selfassessment of professional life and well-being of academic teachers in relation to the acquisition of digital competences on the example of COVID-19 epidemic threat, especially among academic teachers’ production age and non-post-production age.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article is an important contribution to the research on the remote work of academic teachers during the COVID-19 epidemic, their quality of professional life, as well as the sense of well-being, especially among teachers aged 60 and over.