Revisiting Job Rotation and Stress

Abstract

There is scant research on job rotation and stress; however, as workplaces undergo major transformation due to the pandemic, this topic takes on significance in the emerging hybrid work environment. Literature illustrates that job rotation is known to enhance employee interest, reduce physical stress on employees involved in physical jobs, improve employees' skills and confidence, and provide relief from exhaustion due to repetitive tasks as well as due to psychologically negative jobs. However, learning new skills, performing new tasks, and reporting to new people can hinder employee performance and cause stress that negatively impacts employee well-being. This conundrum needs more insight given the current changes brought on due to the pandemic, which has led to more hybrid and/or virtual workplaces, changes in work organization, and altered working styles. Therefore, the way job rotation is conducted and organized needs an overhaul too.