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Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Organization of Remote Work in IT Companies: The Managers’ Perspective

Author

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  • Michał Błaszczyk

    (Department of Computer Science in Economics and Medicine, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-255 Lodz, Poland)

  • Milan Popović

    (Department of Computer Science in Economics and Medicine, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-255 Lodz, Poland)

  • Karolina Zajdel

    (Department of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland)

  • Radosław Zajdel

    (Department of Computer Science in Economics and Medicine, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-255 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

The study analyses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on work models and explores managerial perspectives on remote work compared to stationary work. A survey was conducted among companies, resulting in a sample of respondents. An additional research methodology used to validate the hypotheses was a market basket analysis. The findings indicate a significant change in work models, with a majority of companies adopting fully remote work or hybrid models with remote work as the predominant mode. Managers generally perceive remote work as having a significantly worse outcome compared to stationary work. Concerns about remote work include difficulties in supervising remote workers, maintaining effective communication with the team, and potential negative effects on employee motivation and well-being due to limited interaction. Preferences for work models varied, with a notable proportion favoring fully remote work or hybrid models. Reasons for considering a long-term change to stationary or remote work include coordination needs, control and supervision requirements, physical presence demands, and impacts on organizational culture and atmosphere. Benefits of remote work include employee flexibility, talent attraction, and alignment with employee demands and the labor market. This study provides insights into the evolving work landscape and informs strategies for effectively managing remote work environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Michał Błaszczyk & Milan Popović & Karolina Zajdel & Radosław Zajdel, 2023. "Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Organization of Remote Work in IT Companies: The Managers’ Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-17, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:12049-:d:1211803
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evan DeFilippis & Stephen Michael Impink & Madison Singell & Jeffrey T. Polzer & Raffaella Sadun, 2020. "Collaborating During Coronavirus: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nature of Work," NBER Working Papers 27612, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    4. Michał Błaszczyk & Milan Popović & Karolina Zajdel & Radosław Zajdel, 2022. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Organisation of Remote Work in IT Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-14, October.
    5. Sabrina Zeike & Kyung-Eun Choi & Lara Lindert & Holger Pfaff, 2019. "Managers’ Well-Being in the Digital Era: Is it Associated with Perceived Choice Overload and Pressure from Digitalization? An Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-15, May.
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