Purpose of the Paper
The aim of this study was to explore and assess employees’ attitudes and preferences for homeworking and to identify the key opportunities and challenges for management teams within a company.
Methodology
Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with management responsible for piloting homeworking. Online questionnaires were administered to company employees in Ireland through their IT system. Three focus groups were conducted with the managerial team and agents regarding expectations from a Homeworking Piloting Programme.
Key Findings
Seventy-two percent of respondents stated they were interested in homeworking and 66% expressed their readiness to engage in homeworking. Over half of the respondents chose the homeworking option to work 2-3 days per week from home and the remaining time at the office. The key motivating factors for homeworking included: less commuting time and the reduced costs; having a better work-life balance; and achieving higher productivity. The challenges for departments within the company ranged from welfare issues, performance of homeworkers and setting the protocols for accidents and emergency situations at home.
Research Limitations and Practical Implications
This case study involved a single Irish company and thus it is limited in generating general conclusions about homeworking. The lessons learned about homeworking could offer useful insights to other companies considering this work arrangement.
Originality
This study adds needed evidence to the body of knowledge on homeworking by using a mixed methods approach and by observing it from an operational, tactical and strategic management level.
Keywords: Homeworking, Ireland, management, novel work arrangements.
