Do you prefer logging in? The relevance of the experience of telework for well-being
ISSN: 0142-5455
Article publication date: 19 February 2024
Issue publication date: 11 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The swift and unanticipated integration of telework by European companies due to COVID-19 gave rise to distinct features of telework. These attributes underscore the necessity of analysing its impact on employees’ well-being. This paper explores how telework experiences impact well-being by influencing work–life balance and job satisfaction. Additionally, it investigates whether employee preferences for telework are a contributing factor.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the data provided by the “living, working and COVID-19” e-survey, structural equation models (SEM) were used to test the hypotheses. Specifically, a multiple-mediation approach and path analyses were applied to measure the relationship between the variables under study. The moderating role of preference for telework was also tested.
Findings
Key findings support that telework experience has a positive impact on well-being, both directly and indirectly, particularly via work–life balance. Although preference for telework strengthens the relationship between telework experience and well-being, it does not enhance the predictive power of the mediated model.
Practical implications
These results have important implications from an applied perspective. Human capital departments as well as managers should design telework programmes to create a positive experience since this will ensure a positive influence on the perception of work–life balance, job satisfaction and well-being.
Originality/value
COVID-19 as a sudden environmental constraint forced the implementation of telework without proper planning and training. Thus, how the employees experience this major change in their working conditions has affected their well-being. The present paper contributes to clarifying how the proposed variables relate under such constraints.
Keywords
Citation
Urien, B. and Erro-Garcés, A. (2024), "Do you prefer logging in? The relevance of the experience of telework for well-being", Employee Relations, Vol. 46 No. 3, pp. 641-656. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-10-2022-0487
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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