Teleworking and work-family balance in public educational institutions
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 11 September 2024
Issue publication date: 19 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to investigate teleworking in public institutions, specifically focussing on the perspectives of technical-administrative employees at a Brazilian federal educational institution.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology involved the use of guided semi-structured interviews with public servants. The analysis applied a prior set of categories derived from the advantages and disadvantages of teleworking, as well as the favourable and unfavourable aspects of the interaction between teleworking and family relationships.
Findings
The findings reveal a range of benefits associated with teleworking, primarily an improved quality of life for workers. However, the study also identified significant challenges, including excessive workload, social isolation and difficulties in separating personal and professional life, corroborating with previous studies.
Research limitations/implications
It is crucial to note that the majority of participants in the study have children or dependants, which could potentially influence their teleworking strategies and experiences. This demographic factor may play a significant role in how participants navigate their work-from-home routines and manage their responsibilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical implications
Working from home presents two sides of the same coin according to the vision of those involved in this type of work. Public organisations should know in depth the challenges faced by their workers to prioritise planning that monitors their workforce and achieve success with teleworking.
Originality/value
The insights from this study provide valuable guidance for the development of evidence-based teleworking policies and practices in public educational institutions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the Editor-in-Chief, Rocco Palumbo, and the two anonymous reviewers for their invaluable guidance and constructive feedback throughout the review process. We also appreciate the insightful comments provided by Luciana Mourão Cerqueira e Silva, and Silvânia da Cruz Barbosa on earlier versions of this manuscript. Additionally, we are thankful for the time volunteered by TAE in contributing to this research.
Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Citation
Costa, M.M., Alves Filho, A. and Pessoa-de-Oliveira, A.K. (2024), "Teleworking and work-family balance in public educational institutions", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 37 No. 7, pp. 880-895. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-01-2024-0003
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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