What's Next? Remote Work Evidence Prior to and During COVID-19 to Support Organizational Decision Making in the Post-Pandemic Future of Work

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic the working world adapted and transitioned to a remote work model. As the pandemic continues to unfold and organizations contemplate a return to office work arrangement, employees have been voicing their desires to remain working from home in some capacity. Given the desires to remain working from home, across two studies, this research examines the implications when individuals work remotely. Study one investigates remote work prior to the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing the General Social Survey from Statistics Canada and highlights the working, engagement and job satisfaction implications for remote working employees. Study two examines remote work during the pandemic and further investigates the roles of self-discipline and psychological needs fulfillment in employees when they work remotely. Study two identified the impact remote work has on an employee's productivity and efficiency while also further highlighting the importance of selfdiscipline as a trait in individuals and the organizational facilitation of their employees' psychological needs fulfillment in a remote work environment. Implications for individuals and organizations are presented and future research opportunities are discussed.