A time after time effect in telework: an explanation of willingness to telework and self-reported productivity

Abstract

Purpose

This article studies how experience and frequency of telework influence the acceptance and self-reported productivity of this mode of work in a context of pandemic-induced remote work.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a 2021 dataset of 542 professionals with previous or current experience in home-based telework. Two linear regression models are fitted using the willingness to telework and self-reported productivity as dependent variables.

Findings

The findings support the idea that previous telework specific experience and frequency of telework have a positive impact on the willingness to telework and self-reported productivity.

Originality/value

This paper questions the widely accepted idea according to which employees who telework occasionally experience the best outcomes. The authors have identified a “time after time” effect that shows the relevance of telework specific experience and frequency for the development of this mode of work.

Citation

Labrado Antolín, M., Rodríguez-Ruiz, Ó. and Fernández Menéndez, J. (2024), "A time after time effect in telework: an explanation of willingness to telework and self-reported productivity", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 45 No. 1, pp. 200-214. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-05-2022-0238