Disruptive pandemic effects on telecommuters: A longitudinal study of work–family balance and well-being during COVID-19

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Title

Applied Psychology

Publication Date

7-1-2022

Abstract

We examined the disruptive influence of COVID-19 pandemic rates in the community on telecommuters' satisfaction with balancing their work and family roles and consequently their well-being. Utilizing event system theory and adaptation theory, we proposed that the rate of increase in proportion of confirmed COVID-19 cases in telecommuters' residential communities would predict a lower rate of increase in their satisfaction with work–family balance over time, thereby indirectly influencing two key aspects of well-being—emotional exhaustion and life satisfaction. Results from latent growth curve modeling using objective community data, as well as survey responses from a three-wave (N = 349) panel study of telecommuters in the United States, indicated that rate of increase in the proportion of confirmed COVID-19 cases in communities was negatively associated with the rate of increase in satisfaction with work–family balance, which translated into decreasing levels of well-being over time. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Volume

71

Issue

3

First Page

807

Last Page

826

DOI

10.1111/apps.12387

ISSN

0269994X

E-ISSN

14640597

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