COVID 19

: the impact of remote working in blurring work-life balance in the pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a rapid global shift towards remote work, significantly affecting employees' work-life balance. This dissertation investigates the impact of remote working during the pandemic on employees' ability to maintain work-life balance, focusing on factors such as psychological well-being, socio-demographic variables, and remote work demands. Through a quantitative survey of 158 participants working remotely during the pandemic, the study explores the extent to which remote work blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life. Although remote work provided flexibility, it also blurred the boundaries between home and work, exacerbating issues such as stress, anxiety, and workplace loneliness. This imbalance was more pronounced in certain socio-demographic groups, illustrating that factors like age, gender, and living conditions influenced how individuals coped with remote work demands. Despite these challenges, the study provides insights into how organisations can foster a healthier work-life balance in the remote work era by addressing mental health concerns and refining remote work policies for the long term.

Date of Award	19 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Francisco Esteves (Supervisor)