‘It’s all about flexibility!’ A case study on telework in a Portuguese company after the COVID-19 pandemic

Rita Grave (), Sara Isabel Magalhães, Cátia Pontedeira, Ana Luísa Patrão, Ana R. Pinho, Liliana Rodrigues and Conceição Nogueira
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Rita Grave: Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto
Sara Isabel Magalhães: Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto
Cátia Pontedeira: Criminology and Behavioural Sciences Research Unit at University of Maia
Ana Luísa Patrão: Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto
Ana R. Pinho: Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto
Liliana Rodrigues: Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto
Conceição Nogueira: Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at University of Porto

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract This study aims to understand how teleworking practices are implemented and developed in a Portuguese company after the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to assess their gender dimension when balancing professional and family dynamics. Based on a case study, including 11 semi-structured interviews with the institution’s managers, four themes emerged: The company’s approach to telework; Telework: From COVID-19 to the ‘new normal’; The cultural conservatism of mistrust; Hybrid regime, matching interests. These results are accompanied by gender inequalities with impacts on women’s well-being due to the added tasks of housework or caregiving. To conclude, telework is here to stay with improvements towards flexwork.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05013-5

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