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The impact of teleworking in hybrid job accessibility in the Netherlands: A novel agent-based modelling framework

Author

Listed:
  • van Lent, Stella J.
  • Ulak, M. Baran
  • Wismans, Luc J.J.
  • Geurs, Karst T.

Abstract

Hybrid working arrangements have become common in many countries, catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with employees working remotely as well as from their regular workplace. However, the impacts of teleworking on job accessibility are not well understood. This study aims to examine the job accessibility impacts of hybrid teleworking, utilising a novel agent-based job accessibility modelling framework that integrates occupational and educational job matching, cross-modal competition effects and hybrid teleworking. The modelling approach comprises a Hansen- and Shen-based weighted hybrid job accessibility model, where latter incorporates job competition effects. The model is applied to the Netherlands as a case study. This model incorporates decay functions that exhibit varying sensitivities to commuting times according to the number of days (0 to 4) teleworking during a full-time workweek. Results of the Hansen-based model indicate a rise in job accessibility by 40%, where hybrid teleworking primarily enhances job accessibility in economic vibrant areas as the Amsterdam-Rotterdam region. However, accounting for competition effects, Shen-based job accessibility decreases with −12%. The accessibility impact of hybrid teleworking, however, differs spatially and by occupational class. The influx of interregional cross-modal demand for hybrid job opportunities leads to intensified competition in urbanized zones, counterworks the accessibility increases found in the Hansen-based model. Overall, hybrid teleworking thus expands the diversity of jobs but reduces the overall access to these opportunities, when accounting for job competition. This study demonstrates the impact of hybrid teleworking within the Dutch context and improves the understanding of hybrid teleworking on job accessibility levels, while also issuing the importance of considering digital access to opportunities in the appraisal of accessibility.

Suggested Citation

  • van Lent, Stella J. & Ulak, M. Baran & Wismans, Luc J.J. & Geurs, Karst T., 2025. "The impact of teleworking in hybrid job accessibility in the Netherlands: A novel agent-based modelling framework," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:196:y:2025:i:c:s0965856425001247
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2025.104496
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    References listed on IDEAS

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