Experiences of Relatedness during Enforced Remote Work among Employees in Higher Education

The aim of this study was to investigate experiences relatedness among higher education staff during enforced remote work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Experiences were investigated both at earliest stages (April 2020) and in November/December 2021. Remote analysed through lens Deci Ryan’s self-determination theory, especially concept relatedness. Within framework, is described as one three basic psychological needs affecting health, well-being, productivity. main research focus includes ascertaining which factors affect employees beginning end it. uses qualitative data collected from Finnish university employees, using theory-driven content analysis. analysis two datasets enabled us identify categories relatedness: (1) interaction co-workers, (2) feelings care (3) connectedness. results showed that experience severely challenged period. In future, need for be addressed more deliberately multi-locational conditions because Positive can achieved even with deliberate thought-out actions, example developing good practices within team leadership convey employees.