The impact of telework on the satisfaction of U.S. federal workers

Abstract

Evidence has been somewhat mixed on how telework affects job satisfaction, career advancement, and relationships with supervisors. Larger samples and better measures of telework and control variables, however, suggest that frequent telework increased satisfaction with jobs, advancement opportunities, fair treatment, supervisors, and co-workers in both the 2012–2015 and the 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Surveys. A quasi-experimental analysis shows that switching to frequent telework during the pandemic decreased turnover intentions. Employees now understand the benefits of teleworking. Supervisors must learn to communicate and monitor performance online in this new reality or face increased resistance and turnover.

• Ximena Pizarro-Bore

• Program Evaluation, Public Management and Administration

• Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy