Work From Home: The Experiences of Telecommuting During the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Future in Working to a Digitized Workplace

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the way we work. From working on-site in the office to teleworking at home there have been questions about the differences of the working conditions and the effectiveness of the method of work in terms of productivity. Previous research about telework showed the factors, benefits, and drawbacks of the method of work. Because the act of teleworking required digital technology to use there was also research about computer-mediated communication as well as media effects on how the medium of digital communication would affect the productivity of members of the organization. Another part of the study had a correlation of teleworking affecting the work-life balance of the organization members where there seemed to be a blending of the domains of work and life that usually occurs because of how teleworking does not necessarily provide a barrier between the two domains. Because of these studies the main goal of the research was to document and analyze the experience of various Filipino professionals to explain the telework phenomenon especially during the height of the lockdowns to show their experiences and thoughts on telework as a viable method of work. The phenomenon was divided into three factors: work, technological, and relationship matters where they interact to provide a basis for the analysis of the interviews conducted for the study. These interviews were conducted by the researcher to provide insights on their professional and personal experiences during their time teleworking. The interviews were then analyzed where it would be analyzed by the theories and factors of telework, computer-mediated communication, media effects to provide insight on the productivity of the organization member. The analysis proved that teleworking is a viable method of work as productivity would be the same or improving which gives organizations a choice to utilize it for their members. The technological factors would ensure that the communication of the organization member would be able to influence their attitudes towards telework and their relationships. Finally, the relationship factors showed that it provided a sense of purpose to the individuals teleworking because their personal social circle through interactions because they can be the lynchpin for work-life balance. This showed that teleworking through work, technology, and relationships made it possible to show the viability of working outside the confines of the office.