The Depleting and Buffering Effects of Telecommuting on Wellbeing: Evidence From China During COVID-19

Abstract

Meta-analytical research has demonstrated the benefits brought by telecommuting to wellbeing. However, we argue that such a setup in the course of the coronavirus disease pandemic exerts negative effects. On the basis of conservation of resources theory, this study determined how telecommuting depletes wellbeing (defined by job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion) through obstructing psychological detachment from work. Moreover, we incorporated family interfering with work and family–work enrichment as moderators that can buffer the negative effect of telecommuting on psychological detachment from work. Time-lagged field research was conducted with 350 Chinese employees, and findings largely supported our theoretical hypotheses. The elevated level of telecommuting results in minimal psychological detachment from work, which then leads to low wellbeing. Meanwhile, the negative effect of the extent of telecommuting on psychological detachment from work is reduced by family interfering with work. These findings extend the literature on telecommuting and psychological detachment from work through revealing why teleworkers present negative feelings during the pandemic.

Double-Edged Sword Effect of Flexible Work Arrangements on Employee Innovation Performance: From the Demands–Resources–Individual Effects Perspective

“…In the case of teleworking, the literature shows mixed results. As the level of telecommuting increases, leading to minimal psychological separation from work, it can reduce well-being [40]. Some researchers, however, did not find a significant effect of teleworking on job satisfaction, but found that the effect on work-life balance was usually negative [41].…”

How teleworking adoption is changing the labor market and workforce dynamics?

“…Golden also found that teleworking has a positive association with organizational commitment and a negative one with turnover intentions; however, this relationship is mediated by work exhaustion [ 139 ]. On the other hand, teleworkers can feel some degrees of psychological detachment from work, which negatively influences well-being (measured by job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion); however, its impact can be reduced by family interfering with work [ 140 ]. Teleworking also has some impact on the mental and physical health of employees.…”

Telecommuting-related health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea: a national population-based cross-sectional study

“…Frequent use of non-office equipment, including chairs without armrests or laptops with no external monitor, exacerbates neck, shoulder, and lower back pain among telecommuters [ 39 , 40 ]. Additionally, during the transition to remote work, telecommuters may lose resources at work, such as coworkers’ support, resulting in social isolation [ 41 ]. Many studies have suggested that social isolation and lack of support from coworkers lead to health impairments and are predictive of depressive disorders and burnout [ 42 , 43 ].…”