Managing remote work and employee wellbeing : a global perspective with focus on unstable environments

Abstract

This study investigates the complexities of managing remote work and supporting employee wellbeing in international settings, with particular attention to unstable environments and conflict zones. Through qualitative analysis of survey responses from 13 employees and 3 employers across multiple countries, complemented by case studies of remote work during the Ukrainian crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, the research explores how organisations navigate the challenges of remote work implementation in diverse and potentially volatile contexts. The findings reveal significant disparities between employee and employer perceptions of remote work effectiveness, highlighting the need for more structured assessment approaches. While employees generally report positive experiences with remote work, particularly regarding work-life balance, organisations demonstrate less confidence in their ability to provide comprehensive support, especially in unstable environments. The research identifies critical gaps in cross-cultural management strategies and technological support systems, particularly acute in regions affected by political instability or conflict. A key contribution of this study is its examination of remote work in unstable environments, an area previously underexplored in academic literature. The analysis of the Ukrainian crisis provides valuable insights into how organisations and employees adapt remote work practices in conflict zones, revealing both challenges and opportunities for maintaining business continuity during periods of instability.