Assessing the antecedents behind after-hours work in teleworkers: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, telework arrangements have become increasingly prevalent, driven by benefits such as greater autonomy, reduced work-related stress, decreased commuting time and cost, and enhanced flexibility. Despite these advantages, teleworkers are more likely to engage in after-hours work, creating additional strain that may impact health and organizational outcomes.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across seven online databases: Medline via OVID, Embase via OVID, APA PsycINFO via OVID, International Bibliography of Social Sciences via ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts via ProQuest, Business Source Premier via EBSCOhost, and CINAHL via EBSCOhost. Studies were included if they were empirical, peer-reviewed, published between 2010 and 2024, examined the antecedents of after-hours work, and focused on adults aged 18 to 65 engaged in telework. Descriptive thematic analysis was conducted to develop themes and sub-themes.

Results: Findings: A total of 17 studies were included in the review: 13 cross-sectional studies, three qualitative studies, and one longitudinal study. Using the Person–Environment–Occupation framework, three overarching themes were identified: (i) misalignment between personal capacities and occupational demands; (ii) environmental constraints that undermine healthy role balance; and (iii) occupational role strain in the context of remote work.

Conclusions: These findings may help to inform the development of targeted interventions that reduce cases of after-hours work among teleworkers and promote their overall health and well-being. Future research should examine these antecedents in non-Western contexts and explore the interplay between the individual, environmental, and occupational factors shaping after-hours work behaviors