Telework satisfaction, wellbeing and performance in the digital era. Lessons learned during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain

Joanna Blahopoulou; Silvia Ortiz-Bonnin; Maribel Montañez-Juan; Gema Torrens Espinosa; M Esther García-Buades

doi:10.1007/s12144-022-02873-x

Telework satisfaction, wellbeing and performance in the digital era. Lessons learned during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain

Curr Psychol. 2022;41(5):2507-2520. doi: 10.1007/s12144-022-02873-x. Epub 2022 Feb 20.

Authors

Joanna Blahopoulou¹, Silvia Ortiz-Bonnin¹, Maribel Montañez-Juan¹, Gema Torrens Espinosa¹, M Esther García-Buades¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ed. Guillem Cifre de Colonya, A-210. Ctra.Valldemossa, km 7.5. 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Abstract

This study used a prospective design to examine the effects of telework satisfaction (time 1) on subjective wellbeing and self-reported performance (time 2) during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected from 111 teleworkers through an online survey the first weeks of strict lockdown in Spain. Telework satisfaction showed positive direct effects on both subjective wellbeing and self-reported performance. Further, subjective wellbeing partially mediated the relationship between telework satisfaction and self-reported performance. Interestingly, employees with children felt less telework satisfaction but higher subjective wellbeing. The novelty of this study is that we evaluate the level of satisfaction with telework using a specific set of items that assess the employees' contentment with diverse telework facets. Given the spreading of telework and the increasing competitiveness of organizations, we discuss practical implications in times of crisis, both present and future.

Keywords: COVID-19; Children; Performance; Satisfaction; Telework; Wellbeing; Working from home (WFH).