Students’ Perceptions of Remote Work After COVID-19: A Comparative Study of Romania and Bulgaria

Abstract

One of the most important changes after the COVID-19 pandemic was the adoption of remote or hybrid work, which has become increasingly common in many sectors and industries. In this context, based on data from a questionnaire survey, this study aims to explore the perceptions and expectations of students from two Eastern European countries—Romania and Bulgaria—regarding working from home as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this aim, this study is based on The Job Demands–Resources Theory and the Task–Technology Fit model, which provide an important theoretical framework in interpreting the results. The research employed a non-probability sampling method, with the final sample including 260 respondents from various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs from two universities, 115 from Romania and 145 from Bulgaria. Data analysis was performed using descriptives statistics, nonparametric correlation analysis, nonparametric tests, as well as multinomial logistic regression and a two-step cluster analysis. The empirical results showed that there are significant differences between the two countries in terms of several aspects related to working from home. We found that the national context influences how people perceive the advantages and disadvantages of working from home and what skills are most important in the post-pandemic labor market. However, respondents have similar expectations regarding future working arrangements, with the majority wanting a hybrid work style. Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a powerful effect on how people currently work, an effect that will also continue in the future.