Arbeitspausen im Home Office. Exploration des Pausenverhaltens sowie Zusammenhänge und Einflussfaktoren mit und auf die Erholungsplanung, das Pausenverhalten und das Erholungserleben von alternierenden Telearbeitenden der FHNW

Abstract

More and more organizations are now allowing employees to telework (e.g. working from home) and some positive consequences of this are well known (e.g. flexible working hours). However, there are unique challenges associated with the increased autonomy of employees in their own scheduling, especially concerning work-rest cycles during the working day. A great body of evi-dence shows that taking regular breaks is important, especially in jobs with high demands. The purpose of the study was to examine the rest break behaviour of teleworkers (N = 173) at a Swiss university of applied sciences. Firstly, qualitative analysis (i.e. using Critical Incident Technique) and online data acquisition were applied to develop three scales assessing individu-al’s rest break behaviour, rest break culture and environmental conditions beneficial to recovery. Secondly, rest break behaviour was explored, followed by a correlational and regression analysis of personal, organizational and environmental factors influencing one’s planning behaviour, rest break behaviour and recovery experience. Results confirmed the validity and reliability of all scales developed. Exploration of rest break behaviour indicates several differences between home and main office as well as challenges and reliefs for one's rest break behaviour at home. Data showed significant correlations between personal and some organizational factors with planning behaviour but no relationship was found with environmental factors and planning be-haviour. Two personal factors significantly influenced planning behaviour. Furthermore, rest break behaviour was significantly linked to and influenced by planning behaviour. The same applies to rest break behaviour and recovery experience. After discussion of the results, the study closes with some methodical and theoretical implications for further research and recommenda-tions for the support in the development of one's individual recovery strategy during a working day at home.