Telework: conditions that have a positive and negative impact on the work-family conflict

Abstract

Purpose – Various investigations have shed light on the positive and negative effects of telework on the work-family conflict. These effects might be related to the conditions under which telework is carried out. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of six variables related to telework conditions on the work-family conflict, and the number of additional hours worked beyond normal office hours. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple linear regression models are calculated with data collected from a sample of 142 teleworkers in public institutions to evaluate the effect of the above variables. Findings – Results reveal that factors which affect work-family conflict include the space used for working at home, the presence of persons at home while someone is teleworking, the number of days of telework, the time a person has been teleworking, and the extent of responsibility a worker has outside of the work environment. Originality/value – There is a need for research to determine the ideal conditions and situations for teleworking. This study is specifically intended to strengthen some previous findings in this area, and to provide new evidence.