The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Bridging the Gap: Exploring Workplace Well-being in the New Normal of Remote and Virtual Work Environments by Haille Trimboli and Jessica Arriaza.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the global workforce, the transition to remote and virtual work environments has ushered in a new era of workplace dynamics, fundamentally redefining the concept of workplace well-being. As organizations worldwide adapt to this significant shift, a groundbreaking academic paper by Shirmohammadi et al. (2022), Grobelny (2023), Yang et al. (2022), Wang & Sun (2020), Lindert et al. (2023), and Krajčík & Baráth (2023) sheds light on the nuanced challenges and opportunities presented by remote work. This pivotal research is slated for presentation at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference, offering invaluable insights into the interplay between leadership, employee well-being, and the efficacy of remote work environments in the post-pandemic era.
The study meticulously examines the dual transition experienced by leadership and their employees since 2020—initially adapting to social distancing mandates and the abrupt shift to remote work, followed by the recent, gradual return to office settings through a hybrid model. This research is particularly timely, addressing the overarching question of how leaders’ perceptions of well-being align with the experiences and needs of their employees in these remote and virtual work settings. By exploring the perspectives of both leaders and employees, the study illuminates the critical role of transformational leadership in navigating the challenges posed by remote work, including isolation, decreased informal interactions, and the transformation of manager-employee dynamics.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from surveys of full-time employees who have navigated remote work post-pandemic, with qualitative insights from interviews with leaders. This comprehensive methodology aims to capture a holistic understanding of workplace well-being, encompassing personal experiences, challenges, and perceptions of support. The anticipation surrounding the presentation of this study at the SAM International Business Conference stems from its potential to offer strategic directions for fostering supportive, flexible, and healthy work environments in an era increasingly defined by remote and hybrid work modalities.
The findings of this study promise to be a cornerstone for organizations striving to refine their policies and practices in support of a resilient, adaptive workplace culture. The insights gleaned will not only inform organizational strategies aimed at enhancing employee retention and satisfaction but will also contribute significantly to the discourse on promoting holistic well-being within contemporary workspaces. As we stand on the cusp of this presentation at the SAM International Business Conference, the academic and business communities alike await the revelations this study will bring to light, marking a pivotal step forward in understanding and optimizing the remote work experience for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
In essence, this paper represents a vital contribution to the evolving dialogue on remote work and well-being, offering a roadmap for future research and practice in organizational development and human resource management. Its presentation at the prestigious SAM International Business Conference underscores the importance of this research in guiding businesses through the challenges and opportunities of remote work, aiming to enhance the quality of professional life in our increasingly digital world.
Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.