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Individualism and working from home

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Bietenbeck
  • Natalie Irmert
  • Therese Nilsson

Abstract

We show that culturally transmitted individualism is an important determinant of working from home (WFH). Using individual‐level data from the U.S. Current Population Survey (CPS) and the European Social Survey (ESS), we compare immigrants and their descendants from different cultural backgrounds residing in the same location. A 10‐point increase in country‐of‐origin individualism (0–100 scale) increases the likelihood of WFH by 3.9 percentage points and WFH hours by 1.12 per week in the CPS, and frequent WFH by 2 percentage points in the ESS. Individualism appears to affect WFH partly through higher educational attainment and occupational selection.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Bietenbeck & Natalie Irmert & Therese Nilsson, 2026. "Individualism and working from home," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 64(2), pages 491-507, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:64:y:2026:i:2:p:491-507
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70037
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    References listed on IDEAS

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