Telework and telecommuting as new work forms

As initially envisioned by Jack Nilles in the 1970s, telework (other terms include telecommuting, remote work, work from home) provided a way for workers to avoid a long commute and work closer to their homes. During COVID-19, the global mandated work from home led organizations to accommodate telework by adjusting their policies, processes, and technologies. As we adapt to the post-COVID world, working from home or anywhere will likely become more permanent and widespread. According to the existing literature, predominantly focused on Western examples and perspectives, adopting and/or adapting to telework practices poses significant benefits and challenges for employers and employees. This chapter aims to supplement the literature by examining the factors that have supported and/or impeded the way telework has been integrated into work practices from an employer and employee perspective, before and post-COVID-19, focusing on a range of countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The findings show that cultural, geographical, and regulatory factors are unique to each country and influence the success or otherwise of telework.