The impact of depression on work performance in teleworkers in Serbia

Abstract

Teleworking, as a new method of work, implies working out of a designated office space using informational technologies. As a modern work practice, it became popular in recent years but abruptly developed in the last two years with the COVID 19 pandemic when a large number of companies were forced to perform remotely resulting in challenges. This research aims to examine how mental health can affect work performance in teleworking employees. The sample holds 134 respondents conventionally and remotely employed in Serbia who were interviewed using the CES-D self-assessment scale, with 20 questions measuring depressive symptomatology. This study demonstrates the connection between the methods of work and the mental state and their influence on work results. Teleworkers in Serbia show higher values of depression than conventional employees which can negatively affect their work performance. This research contributes to the improvement of remote employee management in Serbia and gives recommendations on how to notice depression in teleworkers, prevent it and reduce its effects.