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Forced flexibility and remote working: opportunities and challenges in the new normal

Author

Listed:
  • Franken, Esme
  • Bentley, Tim
  • Shafaei, Azadeh
  • Farr-Wharton, Ben
  • Onnis, Leigh-ann
  • Omari, Maryam

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a shift in remote work from being a discretionary flexible work policy to a mandatory requirement for several workplaces. This ‘forced flexibility’ has meant that organisations and their employees have had to adapt swiftly to new requirements and arrangements for how work is done. Working remotely, often at home in ‘virtual workspaces’, has become commonplace for many employees across Australia and globally. Drawing on findings from two qualitative phases of research in an Australian resources company, we use conservation of resources theory to explore the factors influencing processes related to wellbeing and productivity for employees working remotely in the COVID-19 environment. We identify challenges associated with working remotely, as well as important resources for wellbeing and productivity. Practical implications are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Franken, Esme & Bentley, Tim & Shafaei, Azadeh & Farr-Wharton, Ben & Onnis, Leigh-ann & Omari, Maryam, 2021. "Forced flexibility and remote working: opportunities and challenges in the new normal," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 27(6), pages 1131-1149, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jomorg:v:27:y:2021:i:6:p:1131-1149_8
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    1. repec:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:10:p:5520-5535 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Khalil, Sabine & Di Paola, Nadia & Samhan, Bahae & Midha, Vishal & Davila Valdiviezo, Andrés & Kraus, Sascha, 2026. "Technological readiness during different stages of the pandemic: A qualitative comparative analysis approach," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    3. Flavio Martins & Luciana Oranges Cezarino & Geiser Chalco Challco & Lara Liboni & Diego Dermeval & Ibsen Bittencourt & Ranilson Paiva & Alan da Silva & Leonardo Marques & Seiji Isotani & Ig Ibert Bitt, 2025. "The Role of Hybrid Learning in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 4792-4809, August.
    4. Halil Yorulmaz & Serkan Eti, 2024. "Building telework capability in the new business era for SMEs, using spherical fuzzy AHP methodology for prioritizing the actions," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.

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