Digital Distractions and Remote Work: A Balancing Act at Home

Abstract

The number of remote workforces proliferates to cope with the global pandemic and related stay-at-home restrictions. Remote work is more likely to persist even after the global pandemic. However, many remote workers face coping and managing digital distraction challenges as they rely on digital devices for personal and professional matters. Do they have more digital distractions for remote work at home than in the office? What factors increase and decrease the productivity of remote workers, especially concerning digital distraction? The analysis of a survey questionnaire from 87 remote workers shows that the impact of digital distraction depends on its sources. Remote workers experience more digital distraction with email and texting at home than in the office. The digital distraction that negatively lowers their work performance derives from viewing online videos. However, goal commitment in work and life can counteract such negative influences. Implications are discussed for optimizing their work performance.