Self-control and performance while working from home

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Organizational Behavior
• Remote Work Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread adoption of working from home (WFH).
• Understanding individual differences, such as trait self-control, is crucial for optimizing WFH experiences.
• Previous research often links higher self-control to better work outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal effects of trait self-control on performance and well-being during WFH.
• To examine how individuals with varying levels of self-control adapt to the challenges of remote work.
• To provide a nuanced understanding of self-control's role in the WFH context.

Main Methods:

• A three-wave longitudinal study design.
• Inclusion of UK workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Measurement of trait self-control, work distractions, self-assessed performance, and well-being.

Main Results:

• Low self-control individuals demonstrated significant positive adjustment to WFH over four months.
• Reported work distractions decreased, and self-assessed performance increased among low self-control workers.
• High self-control individuals did not show a comparable upward adjustment trajectory.
• Trait self-control was positively associated with performance and negatively with distractions on average.
• No consistent association was found between trait self-control and changes in well-being.

Conclusions:

• Low self-control individuals can adapt and improve their performance in a WFH setting over time.
• The relationship between self-control and WFH outcomes is complex and dynamic.
• Findings challenge simplistic views of self-control by highlighting adaptive potential in specific contexts.