New work in modern times: predicting employees’ choice to work from home

Abstract

Purpose Not only since the Corona pandemic, working from home has become an important part of the modern workplace. The purpose of this study is to identify environmental as well as psychological factors that could predict employees’ weekly desired home office. Design/methodology/approach Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted during April and July 2022 at a German company for digital services (Study 1: N1 = 1,912; Study 2: N2 = 1,132). In Study 1, the authors developed a multiple linear regression model with backward selection for employees’ weekly desired home office. Predictor variables were sociodemographic as well as psychological variables. After that, the authors validated the exploratory found model in Study 2. Findings In the final prediction model, the weekly desired home office was positively affected by two age groups (26 to 35 years and 36 to 45 years) and commuting distance (from 10 km upwards). In addition, it was also negatively affected by leader status (i.e. being a leader), stress experience at work and identification with the company. Research limitations/implications Some sociodemographic variables that should be relevant for employees’ choice to work from home were not measured in this study. Practical implications The paper contributes to both theory and practice. The validated prediction model may guide personnel managers in finding the best-fitting working solution for their employees. Originality/value A newly developed model for predicting employees’ weekly desired home office is presented.