Gekommen um zu bleiben: Was kann aus den Pandemieerfahrungen für die Auswirkungen und die positive Gestaltung des Arbeitens im Homeoffice gelernt werden?

Reports on the effects of home-based telework have been predominately positive. However, detrimental effects of organizational and individual boundary conditions need to be evaluated. This study evaluates the effects of telework on individuals using survey data from a sample of 743 employees collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. A “compensational” practice of telework—that is working at home in the evening after regular working hours in the office or utilization of telework on weekends and days off—was crystalized out and is especially related to detrimental outcomes such as increased technostress, work-family conflicts, low psychological detachment and an increased tendency for presenteeism. “Compensational” telework is frequently observed in organizations with a strong competitive culture, indirect control management strategies, and a lack of formally established telework policies. The survey confirmed positive outcomes in employees with low segmentation preferences and a high need for autonomy. However, these benefits are attenuated due to their more frequent employment of compensational use of telework.

Practical relevance: Compensational use of telework should be prevented with help of suitable organizational measures to avoid detrimental effects on wellbeing and reconciliation.