Strategic Management for Emotional Health of Field Workforce in Physical Infrastructure Maintenance During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Physical infrastructure maintenance (PIM) is becoming vital at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur Campus) (UKMKL), since most buildings are 48 years old. In addition, it offers healthcare to the public. However, on the widespread coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), all sectors of economy have been impacted by stringent rules and limitation of movements. Complicated procedures and fear about exposure to the virus has led to the negative emotions among FW. Therefore, the aim of the paper to develop a strategic management for emotional health of FW in PIM during the COVID-19 pandemic.  A qualitative study was chosen and five-step research methodology was developed. The challenges and factors that impact the emotional health of FW were analyse through literature. Further, strategies in managing the emotional impact among FW in PIM during the COVID-19 were proposed. Mental health and safety of the FW are more difficult than ever before because to the need for everyone to adjust to new ways of working. The results of this study will greatly benefit leaders in understanding the challenges of COVID-19 among FW thus be able to provide safety conditions to protect FW and support them both mentally and physically during the pandemic.