Remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic: identification of working life impacts, employees’ data protection abilities and trust outcomes

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined employees’ experiences of remote work and the impact of remote work on working life.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a mixed-methods study undertaken in three Finnish nonprofit firms. In total, 1,154 respondents took part during the first and second COVID-19 waves in Finland.

Findings

COVID-19 remote working saved employees’ and businesses’ financial resources; increased job satisfaction, firms’ performances and employee employment opportunities; and positively affected organizations’ trust outcomes. This study found that female team leaders were significantly more likely than male team leaders to trust team members’ data protection abilities. In addition, remote work can reduce climate pollution. Remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic also affected the social lives of the employees and work relationships and led to a reduction in physical activity levels and work overload.

Research theoretical implications

The main theoretical contributions of this study are the identification of remote working characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic, positive/negative outcomes of remote working, and further forms measurable propositions. This study contributes to the change management literature and opens up new avenues for future research.

Practical implications

This study can help managers to better understand and lead employees at a time when significant numbers continue to work remotely. Continued work in this field is important because organizations are required to be agile in a changing operating work environment. Given that home-based work has become the new normal, organizations may need to update their data protection rules and address organizational trust issues.

Social implications

Social effects can be seen as an increased understanding of the effects of remote work in the colleague network. Although remote work suits many employees, they also wish to see their colleagues occasionally. Thus, a mix of remote work with some in-office time may be a more attractive option than remote work only.

Originality/value

The integrated multidimensional framework applied in this study is based on research findings. The framework is dynamic and can be further expanded with new findings, serving as a theoretical basis to guide future research.