Telework and work-life balance: Understanding the role of qualitative job insecurity in diverse age groups

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated global telework adoption, reshaping business operations and employee routines. Telework offers benefits like reduced commuting, enhanced flexibility, and cost savings. However, its impact on work-life balance (WLB) is inconsistent, with telework providing flexibility but also blurring boundaries between work and personal life. This study explores qualitative job insecurity—concerns about job quality, career stagnation, and training opportunities—as a factor linking telework and WLB. While quantitative job insecurity has been studied, qualitative aspects remain underexplored. The research examines how telework dimensions affect WLB, whether qualitative job insecurity mediates this relationship, and the role of job control and social support in mitigating negative impacts. Additionally, it considers age-related differences, noting that the share of workers aged 50 and above in Europe rose from 26% in 2009 to 34% in 2022. Using data from the 2021 European Working Conditions Survey, the study aims to provide insights into the complex relationships between telework, WLB, and qualitative job insecurity, offering actionable recommendations for organizations to refine telework policies.