ANNOUNCEMENTS
This study explores the impact of work from home arrangements on both work-life balance and the environment. This sudden transition due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant shift in working practices. This provided a unique opportunity to examine the effects of remote work on two important aspects: work-life balance and environmental sustainability in terms of CO2 emissions. This study analyses the impact and implications of work from home on work-life balance and the environment in terms of CO2 emissions. A primary survey was conducted through google forms. Responses were collected from individuals working in corporates across India. Empirical analysis was carried out along with drawing conclusions by deconstructing the indices used in the questionnaire.
The findings indicate that work from home arrangements have had both positive and negative effects on work-life balance but the overall effect is positive. Greater flexibility was observed for the female employees while there were increased distractions for the employees as compared to female employees. There was also a reduction in commuting costs and commuting stress leading to improved work-life integration. However, challenges such as blurred boundaries between work and personal life, distractions, and increased workload do exist. Regarding the environmental impact, the study revealed significant positive outcomes. Remote work contributed in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from commuting, resulting in improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion. The study suggests some measures to enhance work-life balance and contribute to the environment positively by working from home.
