To Work or Not to Work Remotely? Work-to-family Interface Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Applied psychology
• Organizational behavior
• Work-life studies

Background:

• Distinguishes between pre-pandemic remote work and COVID-19 mandatory work-from-home.
• Examines variations in work-family conflict, enrichment, technology use, and recovery.
• Utilizes insights from applied psychology in work and organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare remote working experiences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the psychological impact of different remote working arrangements.
• To inform future organizational strategies for remote work policies.

Main Methods:

• Two longitudinal studies using self-report instruments.
• Study 1: 148 university staff during voluntary remote work (2019).
• Study 2: 144 diverse professionals during mandatory lockdown (2020).

Main Results:

• Experimental remote work (1 day/week) decreased work-family conflict and improved recovery.
• Emergency remote work during lockdown deteriorated work-family enrichment.
• Findings indicate distinct outcomes between planned and mandatory remote work.

Conclusions:

• Planned remote working offers benefits for work-life balance and recovery.
• Mandatory, emergency remote work can negatively impact work-family dynamics.
• Results guide organizational decisions for sustainable 'new normal' work environments.