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Telework, Hybrid Work and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: Towards Policy Coherence

Author

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  • Magnus Moglia

    (Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • John Hopkins

    (School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Anne Bardoel

    (School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

With increased participation in telework expected to continue, in the aftermath of COVID, it will be important to consider what long-term impact this practice could have on sustainability outcomes. This paper describes a scoping review and identifies connections between telework and sustainability outcomes from previous academic studies. These connections were categorised, and are discussed, based on their contributions to different United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Most research was found to focus on countries classified as having a very high human development index status. The SWOT matrix technique was used to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses identified in the existing literature, and the threats and opportunities for future work. This aims to ensure policy coherence so that strategies to promote one outcome, such as economic productivity improvements, do not undermine another, such as improved health. Practical implications and research opportunities were identified across a range of SDG impact areas, including good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequality, climate mitigation, sustainable cities, and resilient communities. Overall, our impression is that increased rates of telework present an important opportunity to improve sustainability outcomes. However, it will be important that integrated and holistic policy is developed that mitigates key risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Magnus Moglia & John Hopkins & Anne Bardoel, 2021. "Telework, Hybrid Work and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: Towards Policy Coherence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-28, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9222-:d:616043
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    3. Branden M. Deiss & Mallori Herishko & Lauren Wright & Michelle Maliborska & J. Patrick Abulencia, 2021. "Analysis of Energy Consumption in Commercial and Residential Buildings in New York City before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-14, October.
    4. Hang To Diem Tran & Minsook Kim, 2023. "Factors Influencing the Continued Intent to Use Virtual Interactive Platforms in Korean Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises for Remote and Hybrid Work," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, June.
    5. Magnus Moglia & Stephen Glackin & John L. Hopkins, 2022. "The Working-from-Home Natural Experiment in Sydney, Australia: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-21, October.
    6. Carmen-Alexandra Stoian & Chirața Caraiani & Ionuț Florin Anica-Popa & Cornelia Dascălu & Camelia Iuliana Lungu, 2022. "Telework Systematic Model Design for the Future of Work," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-22, June.
    7. Ioanna Simeli & Georgios Tsekouropoulos & Anastasia Vasileiou & Greta Hoxha, 2023. "Benefits and Challenges of Teleworking for a Sustainable Future: Knowledge Gained through Experience in the Era of COVID-19," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-30, July.
    8. Sónia Magalhães & Joselina Barbosa & Elisabete Borges, 2022. "Presenteeism in Non-Academic Staff in a Public University Context: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Reasons to Work While Sick during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-12, November.
    9. Alessandro De Carlo & Damiano Girardi & Laura Dal Corso & Elvira Arcucci & Alessandra Falco, 2022. "Out of Sight, Out of Mind? A Longitudinal Investigation of Smart Working and Burnout in the Context of the Job Demands–Resources Model during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-20, June.
    10. Olawunmi Elizabeth Eniola, 2023. "The Work-Family Roles Dynamics during Home-Based Teleworking," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 16(7), pages 1-1, July.
    11. Bruna Ferrara & Martina Pansini & Clara De Vincenzi & Ilaria Buonomo & Paula Benevene, 2022. "Investigating the Role of Remote Working on Employees’ Performance and Well-Being: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-12, September.
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    13. Ioana Gutu & Camelia Nicoleta Medeleanu, 2023. "Assessing Teleworkforce and Electronic Leadership Favorable for an Online Workforce Sustainability Framework by Using PLS SEM," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-32, September.

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