The effect of telework on emotional exhaustion and task performance via work overload: the moderating role of self-leadership

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to develop a framework that explains how and when telework is related to emotional exhaustion and task performance, by conceiving work overload as a mediator and self-leadership as a moderator. For this purpose, two studies were conducted. Study 1 aims to understand whether telework would be related to emotional exhaustion and task performance and if work overload would mediate such relationships. Study 2 aims to analyze whether self-leadership was a significant moderator of the mediated relations found in Study 1.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were tested in a sample of 207 (in Study 1) and 272 (in Study 2) participants, which were exclusively teleworking. The results were analyzed using PROCESS macro in SPSS.FindingsThe results of Study 1 showed that telework dimensions were negatively related to work overload, which consequently decreased emotional exhaustion and increased task performance. In Study 2, self-leadership moderated the indirect effect of work overload on the relationship between telework and emotional exhaustion, such that the indirect effect was stronger for those who scored higher in self-leadership. However, it was not significant for task performance.Originality/valueThis paper adds to research on telework by focusing on the employee's mental health and performance, in the context of mandatory confinement. The authors identified telework dimensions that may act as resources to cope with the increased work overload inherent to telework, as well as the importance of personal resources in these relationships.

Teleworking Effects on Mental Health—A Systematic Review and a Research Agenda

“…This cluster also focuses on job satisfaction [ 52 , 57 , 87 ], not only as a result but also as an element that allows evaluating the state workers’ health and the viability of remote activity. Thus, the results indicate that an approach that prioritizes the empowerment of professionals, recognition and rewards [ 55 ], technical and social support, organizational culture [ 55 , 57 ], and communication [ 10 ] represents powerful inputs for the satisfaction, health, and well-being of teleworkers [ 9 ].…”

“…These conditions, which can be perceived separately or together, represent an imbalance between work requirements and the physical and mental capabilities of workers, which can accentuate feelings of frustration and inertia [ 49 , 96 ]. Furthermore, the lack of delimitation between personal and professional life, noted in many contexts [ 71 , 81 ], can increase the risk of exhaustion/burnout and work overload [ 10 , 66 ].…”

“…In this context, a safe work environment, well organized and equipped with the right tools, becomes essential to ensure that workers feel safe and satisfied, as well as working effectively, reducing work-related stress [ 59 ]. Flexible working hours and the possibility of working remotely are two complementary variables that can potentially contribute to improving the work environment and increasing employee satisfaction and professional commitment [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…In the context of remote work, some authors concluded that the effects on workers’ mental health may vary, depending on several factors, especially the conditions and demands of the work [ 48 , 65 ]. Consequently, and according to these researchers, remote work leads to exhaustion situations, on the one hand, if workers are not provided with adequate working conditions (e.g., poor ergonomics, inappropriate work surfaces, acoustic problems, and poor infrastructure) [ 66 ] and, on the other, when they feel overwhelmed [ 10 ] or isolated and without support from managers [ 54 ].…”

“…Working from home is described as a potential resource, whose conditions and surroundings can have different effects on the worker’s health [ 9 , 12 , 69 , 70 ]. On the one hand, the benefits mentioned by the authors include a greater level of satisfaction and well-being, as well as a better quality of life, which arise due to greater flexibility in working hours and patterns and time savings in daily travel [ 10 ]. In addition, a balanced diet and relief from the workplace pressures are also mentioned.…”