Teleworking during COVID-19: experiences from Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Socioeconomic Studies

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adoption of teleworking globally.
• Saudi Arabia implemented strict teleworking policies to mitigate virus spread and maintain business continuity.
• Understanding employee experiences is crucial for optimizing remote work strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore employee experiences with mandated teleworking in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify factors influencing satisfaction and performance in a remote work setting.
• To provide insights for future teleworking policies and practices.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Data collected via online questionnaires distributed through social media platforms.
• A sample of 471 employees in Saudi Arabia participated.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (78%) reported satisfaction with teleworking.
• Participants noted improvements in job efficiency (44%), work concentration (48%), work-life balance (56%), and stress management (55%).
• Factors such as gender, age, marital status, education, sector, and work mode impacted teleworking experiences, with some groups reporting less positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Teleworking proved a viable alternative work arrangement during the pandemic, offering benefits for many employees in Saudi Arabia.
• Specific demographic and professional factors influenced the teleworking experience, highlighting the need for tailored approaches.
• Findings offer valuable implications for policymakers, organizations, and researchers regarding remote work implementation and support.