New work behaviour on the rise? - A mixed-method study concerning stress levels and work related characteristics of HR-professionals within Staffing- and recruitment when working from home

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how the perception of stress for HR-professionals within staffing- and recruitment, might differentiate when working more or less from home. An additional ambition was to develop an understanding of how the work characteristics, job-demand, control and support, could have an impact on the above association. To examine this, an exploratory sequential mixed-method design was performed, consisting of interviews assessing an internet-based questionnaire. The final questionnaire consisted of 40 questions, both self-constructed and questions retrieved from two standardised questionnaires (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale). A randomised cluster sampling design was used, resulting in 124 participants (75.8% women and 24.2% men). The results indicated that there was no significant relationship between the amount of working from home and the participants perceived stress. Nonetheless, they did report a slightly higher level of stress when working more from home. Regarding the other work characteristics, a positive correlation was found between job-demands and perceived stress. In addition, negative significant correlations were discovered between the individual's level of control as well as support, and level of perceived stress. However, these associations between support, control, demand, as well as perceived stress, didn't significantly alter depending on the working condition. Based on the limited previous research for HR-professionals within staffing- and recruitment companies, additional research is needed in order to authenticate the results. For now, this study should be seen as a means of advancement for further research.