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‘It’s all about flexibility!’ A case study on telework in a Portuguese company after the COVID-19 pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Grave

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto)

  • Sara Isabel Magalhães

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto)

  • Cátia Pontedeira

    (Criminology and Behavioural Sciences Research Unit at University of Maia
    University of Minho)

  • Ana Luísa Patrão

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto
    Federal University of Bahia)

  • Ana R. Pinho

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto)

  • Liliana Rodrigues

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto)

  • Conceição Nogueira

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto)

Abstract

This study aims to understand how teleworking practices are implemented and developed in a Portuguese company after the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to assess their gender dimension when balancing professional and family dynamics. Based on a case study, including 11 semi-structured interviews with the institution’s managers, four themes emerged: The company’s approach to telework; Telework: From COVID-19 to the ‘new normal’; The cultural conservatism of mistrust; Hybrid regime, matching interests. These results are accompanied by gender inequalities with impacts on women’s well-being due to the added tasks of housework or caregiving. To conclude, telework is here to stay with improvements towards flexwork.

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Grave & Sara Isabel Magalhães & Cátia Pontedeira & Ana Luísa Patrão & Ana R. Pinho & Liliana Rodrigues & Conceição Nogueira, 2025. "‘It’s all about flexibility!’ A case study on telework in a Portuguese company after the COVID-19 pandemic," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05013-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05013-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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