Evaluating Remote and Office-Based Work: A Multidimensional Analysis of Employee Outcomes in the Evolving Workplace

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the implementation of working from home, as opposed to traditional office-based work, has influenced employee productivity, work-life balance, job satisfaction, communication effectiveness, and emotional wellbeing. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using data collected through structured surveys of two hundred professionals across various industry sectors, along with semi-structured interviews with the same participants. Quantitative analysis involved the application of descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and the construction of a productivity and wellbeing index. Qualitative responses were examined through directed content analysis. The findings indicate that remote work generally enhances productivity, autonomy, and work-life balance, particularly among younger, digitally proficient employees in sectors such as information technology and finance. However, remote work also presents disadvantages, including communication gaps, social isolation, and reduced visibility within teams. In contrast, traditional office work fosters stronger team cohesion, real-time feedback, and integration into organizational culture, though it may lack flexibility and contribute to stress due to structured schedules and commuting demands. The study underscores the increasing relevance of hybrid work models as a strategic approach that integrates the strengths of both work modalities. Grounded in stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and systems theory, the research offers a multidimensional perspective on how work environments influence organizational outcomes and employee experiences. The study concludes that future-oriented organizations must design work systems that are flexible, inclusive, and adaptive, aligning operational efficiency with ethical and strategic considerations.

Keywords: Remote Work, Work-Life Balance, Employee Productivity, Hybrid Work Models