The Invisible Front Line: COVID-19’s Impact on Academic Administrators’ Productivity in Higher Education – A Literature Review

Abstract

The higher education sector was among the many sectors that were impacted by the global COVID-19 epidemic that broke out in 2019. Staff operations at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) saw significant modifications as a result of this crisis. It had an effect on academic administration, research, and teaching, which in turn had an effect on staff and student performance and well-being. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic personnel and students has been extensively studied, but an analysis reveals a knowledge vacuum about academic administrators (AAs). Literature review was applied to fill the knowledge vacuum by focusing on how the pandemic has affected non-academic staff in HEIs. Also, the process was used to identify and examine relevant research. The literature review process revealed several important themes that impacted HEI productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic: work-life balance, online education, remote learning technology, workplace culture, and mental and psychological well-being. The literature highlights a number of crucial factors that influence HEI production during the epidemic. HEIs, among others, would benefit from an understanding of the AAs' predicament since it would increase their understanding of realistic crisis management in an academic setting. More support systems should be established to guarantee the welfare of AAs, including a better understanding of their role and function and exploring ways to recognize their contributions. As a result, AAs will feel more included and will no longer be thought of as "invisible workers.