Disruptive pandemic effects on telecommuters: A longitudinal study of work–family balance and well‐being during COVID‐19. Issue 3 (9th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Xinyu (Judy); Subramony, Mahesh
• Other Names: Newman Alexander guestEditor.; Eva Nathan guestEditor.; Bindl Uta guestEditor.; Stoverink Adam guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Applied psychology. Volume 71:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 807
• Page End: 826
• Publication Date: 2022-04-09
• Subjects: COVID‐19 pandemic -- disruption -- telecommuting -- well‐being -- work–family balance; 158.05
• DOI: 10.1111/apps.12387
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-994X

Abstract

Abstract: We examined the disruptive influence of COVID‐19 pandemic rates in the community on telecommuters' satisfaction with balancing their work and family roles and consequently their well‐being. Utilizing event system theory and adaptation theory, we proposed that the rate of increase in proportion of confirmed COVID‐19 cases in telecommuters' residential communities would predict a lower rate of increase in their satisfaction with work–family balance over time, thereby indirectly influencing two key aspects of well‐being—emotional exhaustion and life satisfaction. Results from latent growth curve modeling using objective community data, as well as survey responses from a three‐wave ( N = 349) panel study of telecommuters in the United States, indicated that rate of increase in the proportion of confirmed COVID‐19 cases in communities was negatively associated with the rate of increase in satisfaction with work–family balance, which translated into decreasing levels of well‐being over time. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.