The working conditions during COVID-19 highlight the relevance of workers and their occupational health and well-being. The pandemic has caused adverse effects on workers and sharpened social and economic problems, such as a gender gap. In this study, with a multisector sample of 1044 Ecuadorian workers, we present a gender analysis where we evaluate how burnout can mediate the relationship between motivation and workers’ intention to leave their jobs in the COVID-19 context. To test the proposed hypothesis, structural equation model (SEM) was used. In the proposed conceptual model, turnover intention was considered as the dependent variable, the two dimensions of motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic) were the independent variables and burnout was tested as a mediating variable. Consistent with pre-COVID-19 research, our findings confirm the incidence of job motivation on burnout and turnover intention. Additionally, through Sobel’s criteria, we determine that burnout has a mediating effect between job motivation and turnover intention. In terms of gender, we find different results for female and male workers through critical ratios. Our study indicates that female and male workers’ burnout and turnover intentions levels are different when intrinsic motivation is present. In contrast to pre-COVID-19 studies that indicated no gender differences on these variables, we associate these results to gender roles in lockdown conditions during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitalization in various work environments, including the education sector, leading to increased teacher stress levels and negative impacts on well-being. Despite the importance of teachers' well-being, there is a lack of understanding of the factors contributing to their motivation and performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of meaning in life on teachers' work performance by examining the mediating role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. To evaluate the hypothesis, a sample of 1114 teachers from Ecuador participated in this study, they completed self-reported questionnaires, and provided data for the structural equation model (SEM) analysis. The results indicate that teachers with presence´s high levels in the meaning of life show greater intrinsic motivation, which positively influences the effort and quality of their work. Additionally, teachers with search´s high levels in the meaning in life show higher extrinsic motivation, which also positively influences the effort and quality of their work. These findings offer insights for improving compensation policies in the education sector, highlighting the importance of fostering meaning in life among teachers to enhance their workplace performance.

This study examines wellbeing and job performance in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) environments, using Antarctica as a case study. The research focuses on the logistical personnel of the XXVI Ecuadorian Antarctic Expedition, recognizing the distinct geographical and human dynamics involved. Its relevance stems from the absence of similar studies in Latin America and the critical role of human capital in the success of missions carried out under adverse conditions. A qualitative, cross-sectional, exploratory-descriptive design was employed. The purposive sample consisted of 17 members of the expedition's logistical team. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a thematic focus group. The analysis involved thematic coding, content analysis, and sentiment analysis using Python. Key wellbeing factors included transformational leadership, adequate infrastructure, interpersonal relationships, workload, and the ability to separate work from personal life. Job performance was shaped by role clarity, extrinsic motivation, perceived institutional support, and team dynamics. Habitability conditions, prior training, and conflict management emerged as recurrent themes. Findings confirm that wellbeing and job performance are closely interrelated and influenced by both contextual and organizational factors. The study highlights the need for tailored wellbeing strategies and leadership development programs specific to ICE environments. This research makes a pioneering contribution to human resource management in extreme settings by addressing a gap in the Latin American literature. It offers practical implications for future Antarctic expeditions and other comparable occupational contexts.