The remote work revolution: Examining work life balance during the COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Given the reality that the world was swept with the Covid-19 and majority of companies from different sectors applied the remote work arrangement. This paper aims to examine the impact of the work-life balance of the employed and remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Method: A quantitative method of online questionnaire was shared with 100 fully employed individuals who worked remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Bahrain in different industries. Findings: The results showed more positive impact of remote working that negative. It showed that Remote working can cause job satisfaction and better productivity as a result of better work-life balance when all the necessary tools are available (e.g. ICT tools). Unlike other research papers, our survey results showed that remote workers didn’t encounter any role conflict not childcare issues. However, remote working caused professional and social isolation to some of the study participants. Value: the paper contributes to examine the impact of work life balance for male and female individuals, which may help to implement strategies that supports working from home depending on the individual’s case.