How remote workers manage loneliness and performance: Virtual social interaction as an alternative resource management strategy

Abstract

Drawing on resource‐based theories and the work–nonwork interface perspective, this study examines the full cycle of the resource gain–loss dynamics experienced by remote workers under constrained face‐to‐face personal social interactions. Our proposed model highlights how the lack of personal social interactions, particularly when involuntarily restricted, negatively impacts daily performance through resource loss. We introduce virtual social interaction (VSI) as an alternative source of social support. Using a 5‐day daily diary study with 170 white‐collar employees (n = 620) working remotely during COVID‐19, multilevel path analysis revealed that lack of personal social interactions decreased task performance and helping behavior via loneliness and reduced work resources. Further, we found a resource‐replenishing effect of VSI, when undertaken during work hours, serving as a protective factor against resource loss and poor performance.