Quality of Work Life (QWL) in the Virtual Office: An Academic Perspective on Remote Work

Abstract

Remote work became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 lockdown, offering flexible hours, reduced commuting, and improved work-life balance. However, it also presented challenges, such as unclear boundaries between work and personal life, communication difficulties, and limited support. For academics, remote working allowed online lectures but sometimes felt restrictive. This study aims to assess the Quality of Work Life (QWL) among UUM College of Arts and Sciences (UUM-CAS) academic staff and related factors. Using the work-related quality of life (WRQoL) scale, a survey was conducted on 187 randomly chosen UUM-CAS staff.  Results indicate that higher job satisfaction, greater general well-being, and lower work stress significantly increase the odds of good QWL. Although female staff showed higher odds of good QWL than male staff, this difference was not statistically significant once other factors were controlled. These findings highlight the unique challenges of UUM-CAS, given its geographical isolation and reliance on remote work, and provide important implications for higher education institutions. Recommendations include stress-management interventions, flexible scheduling, and enhanced support systems to improve staff retention and well-being.