The impacts of COVID-19 on workers and workplaces across the globe have been dramatic. This broad review of prior research rooted in work and organizational psychology, and related fields, is intended to make sense of the implications for employees, teams, and work organizations. This review and preview of relevant literatures focuses on (a) emergent changes in work practices (e.g., working from home, virtual teamwork) and (b) emergent changes for workers (e.g., social distancing, stress, and unemployment). In addition, potential moderating factors (demographic characteristics, individual differences, and organizational norms) are examined given the likelihood that COVID-19 will generate disparate effects. This broad-scope overview provides an integrative approach for considering the implications of COVID-19 for work, workers, and organizations while also identifying issues for future research and insights to inform solutions.

COVID-19 has disrupted work and organizations across the globe. This overview integrates and applies prior research in work and organizational psychology as well as related fields in its examination of emergent changes for work practices as well as workers. This article also acknowledges and considers the disproportionate impacts that COVID-19 may have on workers depending on demographic characteristics, individual differences, and relevant organizational norms. In addition to helping make sense of the implications of COVID-19 for employees, teams, and work organizations, this review features roadmaps for future research and action.

COVID-19 is both a global health crisis and an international economic threat. The business and industry shutdowns that were implemented and mandated across the world to curb the spread of the virus have generated a wide array of unique challenges for employees and employers. At the individual level, populations of shutdown-affected employees were turned overnight into (a) “work from home” (WFH) employees, (b) “essential” or “life-sustaining” workers (e.g., emergency room medical personnel and supermarket staff), or (c) furloughed or laid-off employees seeking the nation-specific equivalent of unemployment benefits. Organizationally, the economic shutdowns and policy changes are likely to (a) change some industries fundamentally, (b)...