Does Telework Always Reduce Work-Family Conflict? Examining the Moderating Roles of Gender

Abstract

Telework research has gained significant attention in the wake of the global pandemic. Existing studies in public management generally suggest that telework reduces work-family conflict. However, drawing on conservation of resources and social role theory, we propose that the effects of telework on work-family conflict vary based on the gender of the teleworkers. Using survey data from Korean government employees, we find that telework can help public employees mitigate work–family conflict, but its benefits do not extend equally to women. Specifically, telework is negatively associated with men’s perceptions of work–family conflict, while women report no reduction in such conflict.