Implementing full-time remote work in the IT sector: consequences and solutions

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic allowed companies to test the full-time remote work performed by the majority of employees. So far, such a workplace model has been rarely used in companies. Partial remote or full-time remote work dominated but carried out by a relatively small proportion of employees. The aim of the study was to identify the key consequences that appeared in IT companies during the implementation of full-time remote work and actions that were or may be taken in response to them. Design/methodology/approach: Comparative case studies method – seven companies representing different segments of IT sector. Case studies were prepared with the use of interviews and documents analysis. Findings: The assessment of the effects of full-time remote work has changed over time, from surprisingly positive in the first period to a more nuanced and complex one, including both positive and negative side effects. Over time, the approach of study participants to remote work began to change. Most of them began to gradually reduce its scale, encouraging or obliging employees to partially return to their offices. Research limitations/implications: The subject of research is extremely dynamic due to social and technological changes. For example, the development of communication tools may have a significant impact on some of the identified effects of remote work. Practical implications: The contribution of the study is indication of critical areas that require addressing by companies when implementing this form of work. The pandemic will bring a permanent change in the workplace organization, and the effective implementation of new hybrid models requires deep understanding of the full-time remote work consequences. This study supports the creation of such models and the selection of tools that will allow to use full potential of remote work. Originality/value: The novelty of the research is recognizing the dynamics of the full-time remote work effects. Although the study was conducted among IT companies, its results may also be useful in other sectors. Keywords: remote work, distant work, telework, work from home, COVID-19. Category of the paper: research paper.