Lark: As a Medium of Interpersonal Communication for TNS Employees to Manage Work Stress Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Gebby Septia Akhdev Pratiwi LSPR Institute of Communication & Business
  • Andika Witono LSPR Institute of Communication & Business

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37535/105003%20120244

Keywords:

Lark, Computer-Mediated Communication, Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT), Work from home, Work Stress, Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Working from home (WFH) during the community activity restrictions period (PPKM), such as those imposed by Indonesia’s government, leaves employees with little choice in dealing with work stress. Lark is a collaborative working media tool, during work from home all communication in TNS department took place in Lark. This study's importance is to see how Lark basically a formal working media tool can form an interpersonal communication between woman employees that help them to manage work stress during WFH and PPKM period. Since the trend of working from home is likely to continue even after pandemic, this research provides contribution and information related to communication tools and work from home consequences. The theory for this research is Computer-mediated Communication and Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT). This research method employs a qualitative approach through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and library study. This study finds that implementing WFH during the Covid-19 period resulted in heightened work stress among female employees in TNS Department. It was observed that sharing work-related burdens with coworkers proved to be effective in reducing work stress. Interestingly, sharing with a coworker was considered more beneficial than sharing with a spouse or family. Lark application which serves as a working media tool turns out can facilitate interpersonal communication among female employees. The application's instant messenger, phone call, and expressive emoji make it convenient for employees to share their concerns and stress, as compared to using video conferences.

Author Biographies

Gebby Septia Akhdev Pratiwi, LSPR Institute of Communication & Business

Gebby Septia Akhdev Pratiwi, S.IP, M.Ikom is an alumnus of the postgraduate program at the LSPR Institute of Communication & Business. She has published articles related to business and communication science in Indonesia. Gebby can be contacted at 22172370026@lspr.edu or gebby.pratiwi@outlook.com.

Andika Witono, LSPR Institute of Communication & Business

Dr. Andika Witono, MM is an active lecturer and Head of Postgraduate Program in Communication at the LSPR Institute of Communication & Business. Her research focuses on social sciences, sociology, and environmental sustainability. Andika can be contacted at andika.w@lspr.edu.

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Published

2024-01-18

How to Cite

Pratiwi, G. S. A., & Witono, A. (2024). Lark: As a Medium of Interpersonal Communication for TNS Employees to Manage Work Stress Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic. Journal of Communication and Public Relations, 3(1), 41–62. https://doi.org/10.37535/105003 120244