Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly changed how people and organizations function. For many, it is the most drastic shift since the Industrial Revolution, as it has created increased uncertainty and posed threats to the performance and viability of organizations and their employees. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on employees' commitment and well-being, as well as the consequences of varying commitment levels for employees and organizations. Although prior research has examined pandemic-related workplace changes, the effects on employee commitment, particularly within small businesses and entrepreneurial settings, remain underexplored. To address this gap, this exploratory study examines the extent of employees' commitment levels and their impact, primarily among small enterprises in the United States. Using text mining techniques, we analyzed unstructured data to uncover key patterns and themes. The findings reveal that 54.29% of participants reported maintaining or increasing their commitment levels, while 45.71% reported a decrease in commitment. Employees who maintained commitment most frequently cited flexible working arrangements, the organization itself, the nature of their work, pay and benefits, and management/leadership as key factors. Conversely, less committed employees most often cited poor management/leadership, work overload, and stress as primary causes. Lower commitment was associated with increased turnover intentions, reduced engagement, decreased productivity, and diminished happiness. These insights offer important implications for small businesses, entrepreneurial ventures, and broader organizational management strategies in the post-pandemic era. Keywords: COVID-19, Organizational commitment, Small business, Entrepreneurship, Employee retention, and Employee well-being.