Exploring the uptake of telework from the masculine lens : a study in the public sector

Abstract

Globalisation has brought about cultural changes and evolutions within the work environment. Over the years, high numbers of women have entered the labour market which increased their involvement within the economy. This ‘quiet revolution’ shaped the concept of the traditional roles of men and women, shaping the gender stigmas from a cultural perspective. Adopting a qualitative approach, through interviews with men who telework voluntarily, men who have been forced to telework due to the COVID- 19 pandemic and management, I have focused on the individual and organisational benefits and disadvantages of telework from a male perspective. The main research question is: What is the experience of men who telework in the public sector? From the interviews conducted, the research study shows how requesting telework in the public sector seems to be indirectly gender based and not based on the nature of the job or relevant skills associated to carry out duties efficiently. The study also highlights the hurdles of teleworkers to keep clear boundaries when distinguishing between work and personal life due to the lack of physical boundaries, resulting in working longer hours. In addition, there is mutual agreement between participants that teleworking on a full-time schedule could lead to psychological issues and create negative emotions, due to lack of face to face interaction. This study shows that although men are slowly moving away from the traditional masculine stereotypes, they still concentrate on their work sphere by working longer hours to substitute being away from the office building. In fact, non-teleworkers have agreed that telework is meant for women due to their ability to multitask. Moreover, longer working hours tend to influence the teleworkers’ work life balance. It is clear from this study, that telework alone does not provide the worker with work life balance. With high numbers of women entering the labour market, the gender stereotypes are being constantly challenged, within organisations, families, and society. If human resources do not ensure effective telework policies and guidelines prior to embedding telework, serious outcomes could lead to organisational costs and psychological distress on employees.