Why Teleworkers are More Satisfied with Their Jobs than are Office-Based Workers: When Less Contact is Beneficial

Abstract

This study challenges assumptions regarding the value and necessity of frequent face-to-face workplace interaction by building upon a theoretical framework for the consequences of telecommuting. Using a multiple mediation approach and path analysis, the study examines the extent to which telework affects job satisfaction through the experiences of work–life conflict, stress due to meetings and interruptions, perceived organizational politics, and information exchange. Results reveal that high-intensity teleworkers (n=89) are more satisfied than office-based employees (n=103) and achieve significant benefits from their work arrangement, with work–life conflict most influential toward job satisfaction. The path model reveals more complex indirect paths linking telework and job satisfaction.

Keywords:

• Telework
• Job Satisfaction
• Organizational Politics
• Meetings
• Work–Life Conflict

Acknowledgements

Data were collected as part of the first author's dissertation. We would like to thank Laura Stafford and the anonymous Journal of Applied Communication Research reviewers for their thoughtful feedback during the review process. In addition, we thank Erik Timmerman and Mike Allen for their helpful suggestions on previous versions of this manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathryn L. Fonner

Kathryn L. Fonner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Michael E. Roloff

Michael E. Roloff is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University