The Enduring Appeal of Remote Work: Examining its Impact on Employee Satisfaction, Commitment, and Engagement

Abstract

Remote work is not a contemporary concept, having originated in 1972. However, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a marked increase in interest regarding remote work, prompting extensive research into its effects on employees. By recognising that employees are a crucial asset for any organisation, it becomes essential to retain them. In this context, employee engagement, organisational commitment, and job satisfaction play significant roles. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of remote work on job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and employee engagement. To achieve this, a quantitative statistical method employed to gather data through a questionnaire. The SmartPLS 4 software was utilised for data analysis. Total 183 employees from the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. The findings indicate that remote work has a positive relationship with job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and employee engagement. This research provides valuable insights and recommendations for organisations and decision-makers with remote employees or those considering hiring remote staff.