Technology and Its Influence on Teleworker Well-Being: A Systematic Review

The dramatic increase in teleworking, or remote work facilitated by technology, has spurred debate regarding potential effects upon individual well-being. Whilst teleworking has been shown to provide many benefits for individuals, our review focuses upon its challenges. Research suggests that technological risk factors shape the well-being of teleworkers. This review synthesises knowledge regarding this problem and charts a course for future research. We systematically gather 105 studies and link technological challenges to five dimensions of well-being: cognitive, social, professional, affective and psychosomatic. We identify three key areas through which technology reduces well-being: (1) connectivity; (2) communication and (3) capabilities. We examine contemporary risk factors such as digital surveillance, problematic availability expectations, mediated communication difficulties and access or dependability of technological resources. Our discussion elucidates pressing human resources concerns and offers practical insights. Furthermore, we consider future avenues for scholarly inquiry, for instance, the gap between quantitative and qualitative efforts.