Post COVID-19 Challenges of Public Servants Dealing Directly with Common Public: A Situational Analysis

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected over 180 countries, infected over 413 million people, and killed over 58.3 Lakh people (as of 15^th Feb 2020). While recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic post lockdown government and public servants had the most crucial role. Objectives:  The objectives of the study are to find the challenges faced by the public servants in the COVID-19 unlock situation who are directly dealing with the common public and to identify the physical and mental health status of public servants after the COVID-19 unlock situation. Study design: This study employs a descriptive research design. Materials and Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to collect data through a structured questionnaire. The study was carried out to better understand the challenges that public servants who have direct contact with the public face in Dharwad city.  Respondents include Bank, KSRTC/BRTC, Zilla Panchayat/Taluk Panchayat/Gram Panchayat, Health Department, and Police Department employees. The sample size for this study was 100 workers from all departments. Results: According to the study, there is a significant impact on the physical and mental health conditions of public servants. Thirty-one percent of the study participants agree that they are worried about catching the virus. Similarly, little less than one-fourth (24%) worried that our healthcare system is unable to keep them safe from the virus. Conclusions: This study reveals that public servants are constantly struggling with a lack of proper cooperating and encouragement and good response to COVID-19 guidelines post-lockdown period, and they are under the most stress at work and facing physical and mental health issues.

Keywords: Work challenges, physical health, mental health, work stress, public servants