The impact of COVID-19 on employee productivity and the future of remote work

Sultan Alenazi, Jagannath Mohanty, Maheswaran Srinivasan and Durga Prasad Samontaray

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Purpose: This paper explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employee productivity and the future of remote work beyond the pandemic years. Using data collected from 646 remote workers, we examined the influence of interpersonal relations, time management, stress, and skill development on productivity. Design/methodology/approach: We validated our model using structural equation modelling (SEM), and the results revealed that the sudden shift to remote work had no significant negative impact on productivity. Findings: The results of this study may encourage HR managers to expand remote work opportunities, thereby enhancing talent attraction and retention in a highly competitive job market. Originality/value: Despite prevalent concerns about COVID-19 and the evolving nature of workplaces, employees perceived remote work as offering greater flexibility in task organization and the opportunity to create a healthier work-life balance. Furthermore, our findings suggest that HR managers should consider allowing remote work post-pandemic as a strategic aspect of workplace evolution.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0351968

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351968

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