TAPESTRY OF EMOTION: AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EMOTIONAL LANDSCAPE IN REMOTE WORK ENVIRONMENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/raw20m26Keywords:
Autonomy, Coping Strategies, Emotional Challenges, Emotional Well-Being, Hybrid Work, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Isolation, Mental Health, Organizational Support, Remote Work, Work-Life BalanceAbstract
Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), this study aims to examine the emotional and psychological experience of working remotely with a particular focus on lived experiences of those who have embraced remote working. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 6 participants. The data was analyzed to uncover the seven themes: Emotional and Psychological Impact of Remote Work, Personal Growth and Skill Development, Work–Life Balance, Personal Preference for Job, Workplace Culture, Coping Strategies, and Perceptions of Remote Work. As remote working has become more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are opportunities and challenges arising that impact the emotional health of workers. This study investigate the nature of the emotional experience of remote work and how it is being handled by remote workers in adapting to the remote working scenario. IPA was selected as the research methodology as it offers an understanding of how people make meaning and understand their experiences, which is important for the subjective emotional experiences of remote working. The results show that there is a complicated emotional experience, both positive and negative. Participants identified flexibility, personal development, and better work–life balance as positive aspects, while also noting emotional issues, work environment, and setting boundaries between personal and professional life as negative. Overall, the study points to the complexity of working remotely and provides guidance for employers, workforce and policy makers who wish to encourage health and supportive remote work experiences.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fatima Asad, Ms. Raumish Masud Khan, Iqra Akram (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
