A Dark Side of Telework: A Social Comparison-Based Study from the Perspective of Office Workers

Abstract Telework became a necessary work arrangement during the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, practical evidence even before pandemic also suggests that telework can adversely affect teleworkers’ colleagues working in office. Those regular office workers may experience negative emotions such as envy which, turn, impact performance and turnover intention. In order to assess adverse effects of on workers, study applies social comparison theory disparity new theoretical concept. From perspective perceived is extent which they compare their situation with colleagues’ teleworking conclude are slightly better off than themselves. Based theory, model how associated causes behaviors among was developed. The data were collected one organization arrangements (N = 269). results show from increases feelings toward teleworkers job dissatisfaction, higher intentions worse performance. This contributes research by revealing dark side conceptualizing its consequences for employees organizations. For practice, paper recommends making practices policies transparent possible realize maximum benefits telework.