Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the higher education sector, compelling Arts and Science college teachers to rapidly adapt to unprecedented teaching and working conditions. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent new normal on job stress among Arts and Science college teachers in Chennai. The sudden transition to online teaching, increased workload, technological challenges, job insecurity, and difficulties in maintaining work–life balance during lockdown periods contributed substantially to elevated levels of job stress. Furthermore, psychological factors such as anxiety, fear of infection, and emotional exhaustion intensified stress during the pandemic phase.
In the post-pandemic new normal, teachers continue to experience stress due to hybrid teaching models, increased academic expectations, and adaptation to digital pedagogy, and institutional performance pressures. The study highlights that while some stressors have reduced with the resumption of physical classes, new forms of occupational stress have emerged, indicating the long-term impact of the pandemic on the teaching profession. The findings emphasize the need for effective institutional support systems, stress management interventions, and policy measures to safeguard the mental well-being and professional effectiveness of college teachers. The study contributes valuable insights for educational administrators and policymakers in addressing job stress in higher education institutions during crisis and post-crisis periods.
Keywords: COVID-19 Pandemic, New Normal, Job Stress, Online Teaching, Work–Life Balance.
Title: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and new normal on Job Stress among Arts and Science College Teachers in Chennai
Author: N.Subbiah, Dr.M.Ketharaj, Dr S. Senbaganathan
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026
Page No: 571-575
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 28-February-2026
