Post Pandemic Work-Life Balance A qualitative study on the post-pandemic development of the managerial view on increased digitalization, working from home, and work-life balance

Abstract: The increased digitalization and remote work following the pandemic has caused both positive and negative shifts in the perception of work-life balance. On one hand, it has allowed for more flexibility in working hours, but on the other hand, it is at the expense of increased job intensity and technostress. Addressing these issues on how to improve work-life balance will provide guidance and support for managers who are dealing with rapid changes in the workplace. This, in combination with a lack of previous literature on this topic because of the recency of these shifts, makes this report highly relevant for the management field. The study answers the following research questions: 'How do managers view work-life balance in a post-pandemic office setting?', 'How does the increased digitalization in combination with remote work connect to issues with work-life balance, and how is technostress discussed?', and 'How have these recent changes in the workplace affected the role of the manager?'. The research questions were answered by combining previous literature with a qualitative study exploring the views of 10 individuals occupying managerial roles in Swedish office workplaces. Their opinions and beliefs were gathered through semi-structured interviews. The findings state that working hours have become more flexible, that job intensity has increased, and that there are fewer opportunities for social interactions and relationship building. Building on this, the recommendations presented concern communication guidelines, one-on-one meetings, team meetings and to continue to offer hybrid solutions. This paper contributes to the academic research through the finding on how flexibility in working hours and location can maintain the perception of a high work-life balance despite increases in job intensity, longer working hours, and high technostress.