The Conditions of Successful Telework: Exploring the Role of Telepressure

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes of the inconsistent relationship between telework and work–life conflict, which has been reported in the research literature. We predicted that the qualitative aspects of telework, direction of work–life conflict, and telepressure would influence whether telework decreases work–life conflict. To test these predictions, data from a sample of 328 workers enrolled in the online subject recruitment platform, Prolific, were collected three times, with a one-month interval between each data collection. The analysis, based on these data, revealed that the qualitative aspects of telework had no impact on the relationship between telework and work–life conflict. In addition, telework was significantly related only to work-to-life conflict, but not life-to-work conflict. Finally, the moderating effect of telepressure was significant, such that the positive impact of telework on work–life conflict was found only for people reporting low telepressure. Based on the research findings, theoretical and practical implications were discussed.