Work from home scheme: A phenomenological study

Abstract

This paper titled “Work from Home Scheme: A Phenomenological Study” was conducted to understand the lived experiences of employees from one of the offices of a Provincial Government in Iloilo in adapting the work from home scheme during pandemic. The study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024 using phenomenological techniques of qualitative research. Primary data were gathered from seven (7) participants through the conduct of the interview using semi-structured interview guide. The emerging themes are as follows: (1) Navigating Blurred Boundaries in Remote Work Spaces, (2) Confronting Harsh Realities of Remote Work, (3) Coping to Survive the Work-from-Home Wilderness, (4) Navigating Work-Life Balance in a Home Environment, and (5) A Journey of the Resilient Self. This phenomenological study illuminates the complex, lived experiences of remote workers, highlighting the interplay between personal and professional lives during crisis. The study findings resonate with the Self Determination Theory, Boundary Theory, Conservation of Resources Theory, and Social Exchange Theory for understanding employees' experiences during remote work, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, resourcefulness, and reciprocal support from organizations, and colleagues. The findings provide implications for practice in the areas of organizational strategies, managerial strategies, and individual strategies. This phenomenological study illuminates the complex, lived experiences of remote workers, highlighting the interplay between personal and professional lives during crisis. Recommendations are advanced to the Provincial Government in Iloilo, Civil Service Commission, Employees of Government Offices, and Future research.