Impact of Telework on Job Satisfaction and Work–Family Conflict: Insights From Japan and Korea

While many studies have shown that telework can improve job satisfaction and reduce work–family conflict, most have been conducted in the U.S. or Europe. Few studies have focused on South Korea and Japan, where organizational dedication is highly valued and gender discrimination is more severe than it is in European countries. Previous research indicates that introducing telework in organizational cultures that demand high commitment to the organization can increase domestic and caregiving workloads for female teleworkers, exacerbating work–family conflict. This study aimed to examine the impact of telework on job satisfaction and work–family conflict in Korea and Japan using survey data collected in September 2022 from married men and women aged 30 to 44. The findings reveal that telework improved job satisfaction and reduced working hours, indicating that teleworking employees in these countries are generally more satisfied with their jobs. However, telework amplified work–family conflict among teleworkers. The study found no significant moderating effect of gender on the relationship between telework and job satisfaction or work–family conflict, indicating that the effects of telework are consistent across genders in these countries. This study highlights the need for policymakers and organizations to implement supportive policies to alleviate the increased work–family conflict caused by introducing telework.