This study examines how individual differences in employees' demographics, physical workspace, job satisfaction, workplace support, and pandemic-induced changes affected subjective well-being, productivity, and overall flourishing (Flourishing Index, FI) while working from home (WFH). A cohort of 602 employees in Bangkok, Thailand, was surveyed. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) revealed underlying interactions between variables that reflected differences in FI scores and work-related perceptions. In-person focus group interviews were conducted with 30 participants following their return to work to deepen understanding of aggregate survey responses. We found that the flourishing domains and short-term positive and negative affects are significantly influenced by satisfaction with the physical environment, demographics (e.g., age, marital status, and employment tier), and perceived changes in emotions, job demand, and resources. Individuals who enjoyed higher well-being ratings while WFH tended to be male, above 35 years old, in more senior employment positions, and married or living with a partner. Qualitative results confirmed how individual differences provided resilience and well-being under WFH while revealing more nuanced aspects of employer-employee support relevant to future personnel interventions. The variable groups also interact with each other, suggesting potential scenarios where individuals and organizations can implement more targeted interventions, such as physical environmental comfort, work-life balance, and social system support in future WFH situations to sustain employees’ well-being. It also shows that flourishing can be used as an indicator of worker well-being that reflects many nuanced life aspects, offering a new management tool for workplace transitions to WFH and hybrid models.
Read full abstract