PERCEPTIONS OF WORK–LIFE BALANCE AND COWORKER SUPPORT PROMOTE TELEWORKER WELL-BEING: SURVEY OF THE SWISS PUBLIC SECTOR DURING COVID-19

Abstract

With the rapid increase of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand if previously identified job resources are still pertinent when telework is compulsory and how flexible work arrangements are linked to employee well-being. This study aimed to assess the potential mediating effects of a perceived favorable work-life balance environment and coworker support between perceived new ways of working (NWW) practices (e. g., telecommuting and flexible work hours) and employee engagement/exhaustion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the job demands-resources model and perceived organizational support theory, we hypothesized that perceptions of flexibility are positively related to a work environment conducive to work–life balance and that work-related resources will directly and indirectly affect employee well-being. The data comes from a survey of 1,373 Swiss public sector employees. Results showed that perceived schedule flexibility and the ability to communicate with colleagues and supervisors helped promote employees’ well-being and that these relationships were partially mediated by a perceived favorable work–life balance environment and coworker support. These results suggest that an environment that encourages collaboration is key for public servants’ well-being in a compulsory telework context. Further, as this study examined the perception of employees, it also suggests that human resource policies may be ineffective if not accompanied by supportive management.