Preferring to work from home

Abstract

What sort of people like to work from home (WFH)? In this study 1185 adults from different sectors and countries completed a work-related personality test (HPTI) and a self-esteem measure as well as indicating their preference for WFH. Correlations showed that those who were less Adjusted, Conscientious, and Risking Taking showed a preference for WFH. The regression suggested the strongest indicator was sex, degree status, and trait Conscientiousness. We split the sample by sex, age and education and reran the six regressions. Conscientiousness was consistently significant, though other personality factors were important for non-graduates. Explanations and implications of this finding are discussed. The limitations of a cross-sectional study using only self-report data is acknowledged.