Along for the ride through liminal space: A role transition and recovery perspective on the work-to-home commute

Abstract

The increase in remote work during COVID-19 has drawn attention to the function of commutes as work-home transitions. While prior work-home research has referenced commutes as an example of role transitions, little is known about how the characteristics of a commute or the behaviors and processes undertaken in a commute affect their nature. We integrate research on commute characteristics, role transitions, and psychological recovery to develop a transitional perspective of commuting. We provide a conceptualization of liminal space that differentiates its physical and temporal dimensions and its psychological dimension as characteristics of the space through which one transitions during the commute and the experience of rolelessness one may perceive while doing so. We argue that perceived liminality during the commute frees cognitive resources for psychological role transition and recovery. Based on our conceptual model, we discuss implications for role transitions, commuting, and telecommuting research. Plain Language Summary Commutes provide a regular opportunity for individuals to shift from the work domain to the home domain. While making this transition, commuters occupy a “liminal space” in which they are neither fully engaged with work or home thoughts and behaviors. We explain and explore the physical, temporal, and psychological dimensions of this space, how the characteristics of commutes shape these dimensions, and how these dimensions create an opportunity for individuals to both recover from work and more effectively shift into the home role domain after the commute.

Planes, trains, and automobiles: Commuting in the 2020s and beyond

“…These authors thoroughly investigate the characteristics of the commute, person, and organization that facilitate commute-based learning. This paper pairs up nicely with the contribution by Nolan et al (this issue), which parallels the role-transition perspective advocated by several papers included in the special issue (e.g., Danna et al, this issue; McAlpine & Piszczek, this issue), but extends it by discussing how commuters balance role transition demands with the spatial navigation demands inherent within the commute. Gerpott et al (this issue) supplements this work by highlighting how different commute modes may engender different psychological experiences.…”

“…This type of commute deviates substantially from the “daily grind” that many employees associate with the commute and the paper excellently highlights the disruptive and taxing nature of this commuting modality. McAlpine and Piszczek (this issue) similarly challenge the reader to think of the commute as a liminal space that is not connected to any particular major, salient life domain. These authors suggest that the commute can be used for various functions – particularly transitioning between different life domains (e.g., work, home).…”

Liminal digital birthspaces: social media and consumer proactivity for well-being

“…Concurrently, the concept of liminality can and has been associated with transitory physical spaces or spatial sites such as corridors, hotels, detox facilities and, in today’s digital age, cyberspace (Conti and Heldt Cassel, 2020; Hirschman et al , 2012; McAlpine and Piszczek, 2022; Shortt, 2015). “In-between borderlands” (Shortt, 2015, p.639), with blurred boundaries, these semi-private and semi-public liminal sites act as “neutral zones” that liberate individuals from demands of social norms and “major role domains” (McAlpine and Piszczek, 2022, p.5). Transitory spaces or places are also found to facilitate the psychological processes of liminal transformations (Hirschman et al , 2012; McAlpine and Piszczek, 2022), such as birth and motherhood.…”

“…“In-between borderlands” (Shortt, 2015, p.639), with blurred boundaries, these semi-private and semi-public liminal sites act as “neutral zones” that liberate individuals from demands of social norms and “major role domains” (McAlpine and Piszczek, 2022, p.5). Transitory spaces or places are also found to facilitate the psychological processes of liminal transformations (Hirschman et al , 2012; McAlpine and Piszczek, 2022), such as birth and motherhood. Possessions and practices are acknowledged as important elements in the processes involved in liminal transformation (Darveau and Cheikh‐Ammar, 2021; Hirschman et al , 2012; Tonner, 2016; Wells et al , 2023).…”

“…Finally, the framework of consumers’ digital practice styles for WILS exists within the temporal, spatial and psychological dimensions discussed in theories of liminality (Hirschman et al , 2012; Kerrane et al , 2021; McAlpine and Piszczek, 2022; Turner, 1974). This acknowledges that liminality has time and space dimensions as well as psychological characteristics.…”