Pandemic-Induced Telework Divide of Federal Workforces

Abstract

Telework, which changed the work patterns of public employees, has spread since the COVID-19 pandemic. This research examined the increase in telework use before the COVID-19 pandemic and during its peak. Subsequently, this study used logistic analysis to investigate differences in teleworking among federal employees by their demographics and explored whether leader and organizational support can help reduce such disparities in telework use. Using data from U.S. federal employees collected during the COVID-19, this investigation found that 71% of the respondents used telework more frequently since the outbreak of COVID-19, and disparities in telework use occurred by age, disability status, ethnic origins, and gender of federal employees before the COVID-19 pandemic and during its peak. However, while the leader and organizational support reduced the disparities in telework use by gender, such effects were not observed for age, disability status, and ethnic origins. These results can help public organizations develop effective management strategies to create a favorable organizational environment allowing middle-aged/older employees, employees with disabilities, and minority employees to work from home.