Exploring the Impact of Remote Work on Creating an Enhanced Employee Experience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhrl.3609Keywords:
Remote Work, Wellbeing, Work-Life Balance, Productivity, EngagementAbstract
Purpose: Remote work became very popular post Covid-19, where many employees demand teleworking because they believe it can enhance their experience. Organizations need to explore the effect of such work setup before embedding it. This research aims to investigate the impact of telecommuting on employees’ experience, particularly their wellbeing, work-life balance, productivity and engagement in the UAE context.
Methodology: A theoretical model was adapted combining a comprehensive literature review with quantitative research using an online survey that produced 118 valid responses.
Findings: The literature indicates that remote work impacts wellness, work-life harmony, productivity and engagement positively. The findings of the survey confirm these outcomes. Results show that employees reported better levels of wellbeing and work-life balance, performance and motivation when working remotely. This can be due to being able to have greater control over the sequence of the day as well as feeling trusted and empowered by the organization.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings support the Job Demand-Resources model in that when employees are offered supporting tools, their stress level decreases. Also, the study aligns with Social Exchange theory, as it shows that when companies offer flexibility, workers’ performance and motivation increase. Moreover, it aligns with the Segmentation Theory in that workers can separate work and life commitments. However, it contradicted with Individual Differences model, where despite the varied characteristics of the participants, generally they value telecommuting. Furthermore, it disagrees with the Resource Drain theory as employees’ stress level decreased although they worked for longer hours. The study can benefit companies who thrive to retain the employees and improve their overall happiness. Also, it inspires policymakers to create rules that encourage offering such work arrangement in today’s workplace.
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