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Forced flexibility and remote working: opportunities and challenges in the new normal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2021

Esme Franken Open the ORCID record for Esme Franken [Opens in a new window] ,
Tim Bentley Open the ORCID record for Tim Bentley [Opens in a new window] ,
Azadeh Shafaei Open the ORCID record for Azadeh Shafaei [Opens in a new window] ,
Ben Farr-Wharton Open the ORCID record for Ben Farr-Wharton [Opens in a new window] ,
Leigh-ann Onnis Open the ORCID record for Leigh-ann Onnis [Opens in a new window]  and
Maryam Omari Open the ORCID record for Maryam Omari [Opens in a new window]
Esme Franken*
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
Tim Bentley
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
Azadeh Shafaei
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
Ben Farr-Wharton
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
Leigh-ann Onnis
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
Maryam Omari
Affiliation:
School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Esme Franken, E-mail: e.franken@ecu.edu.au
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Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a shift in remote work from being a discretionary flexible work policy to a mandatory requirement for several workplaces. This ‘forced flexibility’ has meant that organisations and their employees have had to adapt swiftly to new requirements and arrangements for how work is done. Working remotely, often at home in ‘virtual workspaces’, has become commonplace for many employees across Australia and globally. Drawing on findings from two qualitative phases of research in an Australian resources company, we use conservation of resources theory to explore the factors influencing processes related to wellbeing and productivity for employees working remotely in the COVID-19 environment. We identify challenges associated with working remotely, as well as important resources for wellbeing and productivity. Practical implications are also discussed.

Keywords

Flexible workjob resourcesremote workvirtual workspaces
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 27 , Special Issue 6: Physical and virtual work environments during COVID-19 , November 2021 , pp. 1131 - 1149
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2021

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