Multiple Perspectives of Working From Home

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the varied experiences of professionals working from home in eight different countries (Asia, Australia, Brazil, and the USA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-depth structured open-ended interviews (10) were conducted using online video calls in 2022. Most people shifted to working from home (WFH) during the lockdown. The participants responded differently to this new working norm, reporting different productivity levels and distractions. Participants in IT departments experienced heavy workloads and long working hours. Many organizations transitioned from traditional to digital work methods as they found new ways to meet organizational goals. Some respondents preferred the hybrid working mode after the lockdown ended, while two preferred working entirely from home and four working entirely onsite. One participant moved his IT department to remote work to save office leasing costs as his employees preferred WFH after the pandemic. Some businesses were negatively impacted, and one restaurant closed permanently. This study provided valuable insights from the participants’ WFH experiences and their post-pandemic working preferences.