Understanding the post-pandemic evolution of telecommuting preferences by using a panel stated preference survey

Abstract

This study's objective is to assess the telecommuting implementation during the protracted COVID-19 disruption to extrapolate our comprehension of telecommuting's options and obstacles for the future. To accomplish this, we investigated employees' desire to continue telecommuting in the post-pandemic era and their work arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used data from two cross-sectional travel surveys with a one-year gap from the same group of people in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. A joint SP (Stated Preference) model is estimated to determine the influential workplace decision-making variables. Results suggest that the increase in telecommuting would decelerate as the risk of the pandemic decreased. However, employees are still interested in telecommuting if given the option. Education level, childcare duties, occupation type, and access to technological and communicational tools are found to influence the decision to telecommute. The hybrid work arrangement was found to be the optimal solution for satisfying all the employees' requirements. Based on findings, an employee's perspective of telecommuting preferences, obstacles, and options are portrayed, and policy implications are presented.