Doing extreme work in an extreme context: situated experiences of Chilean frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

This paper problematizes micro-level conceptualizations of extreme work to develop new research directions. The paper shows how frontline healthcare workers interpret and articulate ideas about doing extreme work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two interconnected themes are discussed: a narrative of professional opportunity, related to identifying the extreme context as a space of opportunity to re-shape understandings about their professional purpose and gain professional legitimacy, and a narrative of occupational heroism, related to a way of doing extreme work that focuses on establishing dependable relational dynamics and working extremely as a means to become indispensable. The article reinforces the importance of the situated understanding of work settings and suggests a research agenda that can help to inform HRM policies and practices to manage and develop specific groups of professionals.