Exploring remote workers' preference in shifting to in-office work arrangement

Abstract

The growing adaptation of remote work has transformed traditional work environments and increases interest in understanding its impact on employees’ motivation, satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being. This research study aimed to discover remote workers’ preference to shift to an in-office work setup and explore their reason and drivers of choosing such work arrangement.

A qualitative research approach was implemented by conducting semi-structured interviews with participants who have sufficient experience in remote working. Convenience sampling was used in choosing the participants and date were analyzed through thematic analysis.

The findings showed that participants generally preferred to work remotely due to its convenience, flexibility, and autonomy. Participants reported improved work-life balance and greater control over their time. Challenges related to isolation, communication, and social connections were also identified; however, various coping strategies were initiated and found to help employees maintain motivation and satisfaction at work.

In conclusion, remote work provides significant benefits for employees but also presents social and emotional challenges that organization should address. The findings contribute to better understanding of employees’ lived experiences in remote working and may support the development of more effective work practices.