University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies releases whitepaper on the impact of COVID-19 on navigating workplace

Employers must address the psychological effects of the pandemic on the workplace

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies announces the release of a whitepaper exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic engendered disruption financially, psychologically, and to employees’ careers, and offers practical advice to leaders and workers: “Navigating the Industry Workplace During COVID-19: Renegotiating Proximity.”

The whitepaper, authored by Amy Preiss, Ph.D., LPC, examines how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant employment shifts worldwide. Millions of workers experienced sudden and unexpected job loss while millions more struggled to adapt to the isolation of working remotely. In addition to risking their health, essential workers faced the psychological burden of distancing from others, wearing protective gear, fearing personal exposure, and the trauma of treating the critically sick and dying with few resources. Although the pandemic’s impact varies, a large majority of workers have and will likely continue to experience drastic changes and potential consequences to their financial, emotional, and professional lives. The whitepaper provides practical advice for leaders and workers to best navigate the workplace emerging from the pandemic.  

“It’s been a historically difficult time, but organizations and employees can adapt by embracing new skills and developing new behaviors,” states Preiss. “Businesses can use the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to reshape hiring practices and to recruit and retain top talent and employees. Job seekers can use this time to reflect on their next career move.”

Preiss is staff faculty in the College of Doctoral Studies, University of Phoenix. She is a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of clinical counseling and Fortune 500 industry experience. She has held various business leadership positions specializing in curriculum development, corporate communications, and training. Preiss earned her doctorate in counseling at the University of North Texas.

The full whitepaper is available at the College of Doctoral Studies Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Leadership webpage or as a direct link here.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program puts students in the center of an effective ecosystem of experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

About University of Phoenix 

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.