Paradoxical Effects of Teleworking on Workers’ Well-Being in the COVID-19 Context: A Comparison Between Different Public Administrations and the Private Sector

Abstract

This study examines workers’ well-being during the first lockdown by comparing teleworkers to on-site workers across the private sector and public administrations. Using a sample of workers (N = 471) collected online, we noted a positive association between telework and well-being. When sector is introduced, this relationship disappears, and public service workers display a higher level of well-being compared with health and social service workers. The impact of teleworking differs across sectors, highlighting the relevance of the contingent approach of human resource management (HRM). Nonetheless, our results indicated that teleworkers who prefer the segmentation of work–life boundaries display a lower level of well-being than those who prefer the integration of these boundaries. For HRM practitioners of all sectors, this finding is essential to remember after the pandemic because organizations should avoid imposing teleworking universally. Flexibility will be required to be inclusive and to preserve the well-being of all employees.