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Homebound Happiness? Teleworkability of Jobs and Emotional Well-Being During Labor and Non-labor Activities

Author

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  • Hennecke, Juliane

    (Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg)

  • Knabe, Andreas

    (Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg)

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between flexible working arrangements (FWA) and workers' affective well-being (AWB), using data from the American Time-Use Survey (ATUS) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We analyze differences in workers' emotional experiences during paid work, unpaid work, and leisure depending on the general availability of FWA within their occupation. Our findings reveal a significant negative association between teleworkability and AWB during labor activities for women, resulting in reduced day-average emotional well-being if jobs are also time-flexible. In contrast, we do not find significant associations between FWA and AWB during paid work for men. Additionally, we find no evidence of systematic spillovers to the AWB in non-labor activities for both men and women. Further nuanced findings regarding parents and the role of time flexibility underscore potential gender differences in the impact of FWA on well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Hennecke, Juliane & Knabe, Andreas, 2025. "Homebound Happiness? Teleworkability of Jobs and Emotional Well-Being During Labor and Non-labor Activities," IZA Discussion Papers 17634, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17634
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    flexible working arrangements; affective well-being; telework; working from home; work and family; work-life balance; gender differences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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