Going forward: remote working in the post-COVID-19 era

Adekoya, Olatunji David, Adisa, Toyin Ajibade and Aiyenitaju, Opeoluwa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9886-4979 (2022) Going forward: remote working in the post-COVID-19 era. Employee Relations, 44 (6). pp. 1410-1427. ISSN 0142-5455

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Abstract

Purpose – The urgent and unexpected transition to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic calls for an increased focus on the contemporary workplace, especially for the post-COVID-19 era. While most studies undertaken during the pandemic have focused on the consequences of remote working, this study, using the UK as the research context, focuses on the factors that may facilitate the effectiveness of remote working in the post-COVID-19 era from the perspectives of employees and employers. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses the interpretivist philosophical perspective to understand the study participants’ subjective meanings and experiences. It utilises a qualitative approach, specifically data drawn from the semi-structured interviews of 31 participants. Findings – The study highlights the factors that may facilitate the effectiveness of remote working in the post-COVID-19 era. Flexible working preferences, smart working practices, self-discipline, and leadership roles and expectations emerge as enablers of remote working among the participants. It is evident from our findings that both employers and employees have expectations about remote working conditions. Originality/value – Due to the changing work environment, where remote working is becoming more acceptable, this study focuses on a salient topic that examines how remote working may be facilitated effectively in the post-COVID-19 era. Thus, it makes predictions concerning the future of remote working post-COVID-19. It also emphasises that employers and employees have developed clear expectations about facilitating remote working and seek to meet these expectations by implementing various strategies.