The non-use of telework in an ideal worker culture: why women perceive more cultural barriers

• Published in: Community, work & family work & family, 2020-10, Vol.23 (5), p.593-611
• Main Authors: Lott, Yvonne, Abendroth, Anja-Kristin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alliances; Barriers; Culture; Employees; Factor analysis; gender; ideal work culture; managerial support; Non-use of telework; perceived cultural barriers to telework; perceived job suitability; Telecommuting; Women; Work life balance; Workplaces
• ISSN: 1366-8803; 1469-3615
• DOI: 10.1080/13668803.2020.1817726

The present study analyzes workers' non-use of telework in German workplaces. Recent research has focused mainly on the implications of telework for employees. Non-users of telework, and their reasons for non-use are under-researched. We ask to what degree cultural barriers, besides technical barriers, contribute to the non-use of telework. The analyses are based on the second wave (2014-15) of the German Linked Personnel Panel (LPP). Factor analyses confirm the importance of technical and cultural barriers for the non-use of telework. Linear regression analyses show that because men work more often than women in areas where telework is technically unfeasible, they are more likely not to use telework due to perceived job unsuitability. Women-independent of their status positions-are more likely to forgo telework due to perceived cultural barriers. In workplaces with a pronounced ideal worker culture, employees are more likely to forgo telework because they perceive cultural barriers. Finally, company-level work-life balance support diminishes the non-use of telework due to perceived cultural barriers.