Can Remote Work Be Adopted When Phubbing and Cyber Loafing Behavior Are on the Rise?

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became a prevalent practice for organizations, raising concerns about counterproductive behaviors like phubbing and cyberloafing. This research investigates the dynamics of these behaviors among employees working from home, focusing on social networking needs (SNN), perceptions of others’ online behavior, and the pandemic’s influence. Data from 222 remote employees were analyzed using structural equation modelling, revealing positive relationships between SNN, perceptions of others’ online behavior, pandemic influence, and phubbing. Moreover, the study reveals the moderating effect of WFH on these relationships. These findings highlight the importance for HR practitioners and policymakers to understand and address phubbing and cyberloafing behaviors in remote work settings. This study fills critical research gaps, offering insights to mitigate the negative impacts of remote work policies, thereby enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. The chapter, therefore, aims to examine whether remote work can succeed amid rising phubbing and cyberloafing. Through analysis, it offers insights for HR and policymakers to manage these challenges effectively.