Interview study to uncover the energy use impacts and behaviours of teleworkers who relocated during COVID-19 in Canada

Abstract

This study aims to gain insight into the overall impacts of teleworkers’ choices and preferences that have implications for overall energy use. The sample size includes 14 participants, who started teleworking and moved at least 20 kilometres away from their original homes within two years of the beginning of COVID-19. In-depth interviews with teleworkers were focused on their backgrounds, changes in work and domestic routines and behaviours, preferences during teleworking, perception of costs associated with teleworking, and other related changes related to teleworking and related energy use. The results of this study suggest most participants moved to bigger houses with dedicated offices in less accessible neighbourhoods, which prompted more vehicle purchases. Overall, the results show that teleworkers’ attitudes, plans, preferences, and perceptions regarding remote work depend on marital status and household income. The interviews indicated that the overall energy use of participants has increased as a result of these changes.