Communication Anxiety of Industrial Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study in Indonesian Industrial Area

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed various aspects of life, especially in the employment sector. One significant impact is the communication anxiety experienced by industrial workers in their families due to economic and social uncertainty. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of communication anxiety of industrial workers in the Ngoro Industri Persada area, focusing on how the pandemic affects communication patterns in families and their social interactions. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a purposive sampling method in the selection of informants. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using data reduction techniques, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study showed that there were variations in communication anxiety based on the social and economic status of workers. Married male workers experience anxiety about meeting family needs and facing changes in household dynamics, while single male workers experience more anxiety regarding the future of work and personal health. Married women workers face pressure to meet household needs as well as anxiety about their children's health and education, while single women workers feel anxious about the financial contribution of their families. These findings show that communication in the family is an important factor in dealing with the economic and social crisis caused by the pandemic. Therefore, a more effective interpersonal communication-based approach is needed to reduce the impact of anxiety in the work and family environment