A daily examination of work and non-work time experiences in pandemic working arrangements

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of flexible work arrangements. It is believed that this unexpected and compulsory change in the working pattern also affects the psychological processes of the employees. Basic psychological needs, post-work recovery, work engagement, self-compassion, and positive affect are all extensively covered in the literature. Still, they have not been discussed together in terms of the effect of work patterns. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the relationships between these concepts and to investigate the possible moderator effects of the working patterns. 87 participants were included in the diary study. A regression technique called hierarchical linear modeling was used for the study's data analysis. According to the study's findings, the satisfaction of needs was mediating variable between work engagement and positive affect. Additionally, relaxation showed a mediating effect between need satisfaction and positive affect, but psychological detachment did not show the mediator effect. The moderation analyses did not show the moderating effects of self-compassion on the relationship between need satisfaction and positive affect and general work engagement on the relationship between psychological detachment from work and positive affect. The psychological detachment was a moderator of the relationship between work engagement and positive affect. In addition, the day-specific working place moderated the relationship between psychological detachment and positive affect. The day-specific working place also moderates the relationship between need satisfaction and positive affect. Furthermore, the limitations and strengths of the study and suggestions for future studies are discussed.