Systematically reviewing remote e-workers’ well-being at work: a multidimensional approach

TLDR

Remote e‑working, defined as work performed anywhere, anytime using technology, is rapidly increasing. This systematic review seeks to understand how remote e‑working relates to five dimensions of workplace well‑being—affective, cognitive, social, professional, and psychosomatic—among knowledge workers. The review incorporated 63 studies of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‑method designs. The review reveals that affective, social, and professional well‑being are better understood than cognitive and psychosomatic aspects, and while remote work generally has positive effects, it also introduces social and professional isolation and perceived career advancement threats, underscoring its importance for both academic research and practical policy implementation.

Abstract

The practice of remote e-working, which involves work conducted at anyplace, anytime, using technology, is on the increase. The aim of this systematic literature review is to gain a deeper understanding of the association between remote e-working, within knowledge workers, and the five dimensions of well-being at work: affective, cognitive, social, professional, and psychosomatic. Sixty-three studies employing quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method designs have been included in the review. Findings indicate that we know more about remote e-workers' affective state and their social and professional life than we know about their cognitive functioning and psychosomatic conditions. Whilst the research indicates a positive focus there are some negative aspects of this way of working which are highlighted within this review; such as social and professional isolation, and perceived threats in professional advancement. This review may be of great importance for academics, to continue the theoretical advancement of research into remote e-working, and practitioners, to implement and manage remote e-working attitudes and policies more effectively.