Home, Gender and Productivity: Gendered Consequences of Pandemic-Era Remote Work on Work–Life Boundary Management among Indian IT Professionals
Keywords:
Remote work, gender, productivity, work–life boundary management, caregiving, digital fatigue, Indian IT sector, COVID-19 pandemicAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a large-scale shift to mandatory remote work in India’s IT sector, redefining how employees manage professional and personal boundaries. While remote work offered flexibility and reduced commuting burdens, it also intensified challenges of digital fatigue, blurred work–life boundaries, and unequal caregiving responsibilities. This study investigates the gendered consequences of pandemic-era remote work among Indian IT professionals, focusing on how men and women differently experienced and negotiated boundary management, household duties, and productivity expectations. Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of 400 employees from leading IT firms, supplemented by semi-structured interviews, the research applies a Job Demands–Resources framework to examine the interplay between digital job demands, household infrastructure, and gender roles. Findings highlight that women professionals faced a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work and reported higher levels of stress and role conflict compared to men, despite similar performance expectations. Conversely, male employees reported greater autonomy but struggled with digital presenteeism and long working hours. The study underscores that remote work, while often celebrated as a flexible arrangement, reproduces and amplifies existing gender inequalities in the Indian context. Implications for human resource policies include designing gender-sensitive remote work strategies, investing in digital infrastructure, and implementing support mechanisms to sustain productivity while safeguarding employee well-being.
Downloads
References
Allen, T. D., Golden, T. D., & Shockley, K. M. (2015). How effective is telecommuting? Assessing the status of our scientific findings. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 16(2), 40–68. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100615593273
Alon, T., Doepke, M., Olmstead-Rumsey, J., & Tertilt, M. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on gender equality. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper, 26947. https://doi.org/10.3386/w26947
Ashforth, B. E., Kreiner, G. E., & Fugate, M. (2000). All in a day’s work: Boundaries and micro role transitions. Academy of Management Review, 25(3), 472–491. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2000.3363315
Bailenson, J. N. (2021). Nonverbal overload: A theoretical argument for the causes of Zoom fatigue. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000030
Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2017). Job demands–resources theory: Taking stock and looking forward. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22(3), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000056
Beckel, J. L., & Fisher, G. G. (2022). Telework and worker health and well-being: A review and recommendations for research and practice. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107(9), 1434–1456. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000948
Bloom, N., Liang, J., Roberts, J., & Ying, Z. J. (2015). Does working from home work? Evidence from a Chinese experiment. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(1), 165–218. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qju032
Choudhury, P., Foroughi, C., & Larson, B. Z. (2021). Work-from-anywhere: The productivity effects of geographic flexibility. Strategic Management Journal, 42(4), 655–683. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3251
Chung, H., Seo, H., & Forbes, S. (2020). Working from home and the division of housework and childcare among dual-earner couples during the pandemic in the UK. Gender, Work & Organization, 28(S1), 66–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12497
Collins, C., Landivar, L. C., Ruppanner, L., & Scarborough, W. J. (2020). COVID-19 and the gender gap in work hours. Gender, Work & Organization, 28(S1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.12506
Denzer, C., Drexler, D. A., & Prüfer, P. (2023). Physical effects of working from home: A systematic review. Applied Ergonomics, 108, 103950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2023.103950
Derks, D., van Duin, D., Tims, M., & Bakker, A. B. (2016). Smartphone use and work–home interference: The moderating role of social norms and employee work engagement. Computers in Human Behavior, 61, 236–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.041
Di Martino, V., & Wirth, L. (1990). Telework: A new way of working and living. International Labour Review, 129(5), 529–554.
Donaldson, S. I., Lee, J. Y., & Donaldson, S. I. (2022). Measuring psychological well-being: PERMA+4. Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(2), 157–171. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1827216
Gopalan, A., & Misra, S. (2022). Remote work in India: Digital fatigue and challenges of the new normal. Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, 57(3), 421–438.
Grant, C. A., Wallace, L. M., & Spurgeon, P. C. (2013). An exploration of the psychological factors affecting remote e‐worker’s job effectiveness, well‐being and work‐life balance. Employee Relations, 35(5), 527–546. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-08-2012-0059
Greer, T. W., & Payne, S. C. (2014). Overcoming telework challenges: Outcomes of successful telework strategies. Psychologist-Manager Journal, 17(2), 87–111. https://doi.org/10.1037/mgr0000014
Kelly, E. L., Moen, P., & Tranby, E. (2022). Work–life stress and remote working: Implications for younger employees. Work and Occupations, 49(3), 357–386. https://doi.org/10.1177/07308884221089964
Kniffin, K. M., Narayanan, J., Anseel, F., et al. (2021). COVID-19 and the workplace: Implications, issues, and insights for future research and action. American Psychologist, 76(1), 63–77. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000716
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607–610. https://doi.org/10.1177/001316447003000308
Lu, Y., Liu, Y., Li, Z., & Hu, Y. (2021). IoT-based smart detection system for rice leaf disease using image processing. Sustainable Computing: Informatics and Systems, 30, 100530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suscom.2020.100530
Mann, S., & Holdsworth, L. (2003). The psychological impact of teleworking: Stress, emotions and health. New Technology, Work and Employment, 18(3), 196–211. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-005X.00121
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
Mazmanian, M., Orlikowski, W. J., & Yates, J. (2013). The autonomy paradox: The implications of mobile email devices for knowledge professionals. Organization Science, 24(5), 1337–1357. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1120.0806
Mehta, H., Singh, S., & Awasthi, R. K. (2025). A review of IoT-based technologies for identification and monitoring of rice crop diseases. International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science, 13(5), 418–426. https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.140500042
Messenger, J. C. (2019). Telework in the 21st century: An evolutionary perspective. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Mohanty, S. P., Hughes, D. P., & Salathé, M. (2016). Using deep learning for image-based plant disease detection. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 1419. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.01419
NASSCOM. (2021). Future of work: Remote and hybrid models in Indian IT. National Association of Software and Service Companies.
NASSCOM. (2022). Indian IT workforce and the future of remote work. National Association of Software and Service Companies.
Neeley, T. (2020). Remote work revolution: Succeeding from anywhere. Harper Business.
Oakman, J., Kinsman, N., Stuckey, R., Graham, M., & Weale, V. (2020). A rapid review of mental and physical health effects of working at home: How do we optimize health? BMC Public Health, 20, 1825. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09875-z
Patel, E. J., Singh, S., & Awasthi, R. K. (2025). Python-based detection of paddy leaf diseases: A computational approach. International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology, 13(3), 104–108.
Picon, A., Alvarez-Gila, A., Seitz, M., Ortiz-Barredo, A., Echazarra, J., & Johannes, A. (2019). Deep learning-based segmentation of hyperspectral images for disease detection in vegetation. Remote Sensing, 11(9), 1010. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11091010
Prasad, D. K., Rao, M., Vaidya, D. R., & Muralidhar, B. (2020). Impact of pandemic on IT industry in India: Employee perspective. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(5), 1236–1247.
Purani, D., & Singh, S. (2025). Innovations in plant disease diagnosis: Bridging nature and technology. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(6), 10693–10701. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.6.0625.2315
Sahu, D., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Virtual reality flight simulator. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 9(5), 619–624.
Salah, K., Rehman, M. H. U., Nizamuddin, N., & Al-Fuqaha, A. (2019). Blockchain for AI: Review and open research challenges. IEEE Access, 7, 10127–10149. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2890507
Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
Shrivas, A. K., & Singh, S. (2016). Big data analytics: A review. International Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 7(3), 92–95.
Singh, R., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Analytics on Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds player placement prediction using machine learning. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 9(5), 313–320.
Singh, S. (2020). Handling different aspects of big data: A review article. Solid State Technology, 63(6).
Singh, S., & Shrivas, A. K. (2017). The analysis of the privacy issues in big data: A review. International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research, 3(4), 298–305. https://doi.org/10.23883/IJRTER.2017.3149.OLHJT
Singh, S., Solanki, U., & Vashi, S. (2025). Multiple disease prediction system. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology, 5(7), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/20908
Sivakumar, V., & Rao, P. (2021). Gender, work–life balance, and remote working in India during COVID-19. Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, 57(2), 321–338.
Smith, J., O’Neill, S., & Nelson, R. (2024). Digital well-being interventions in hybrid workplaces: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(1), 13–28.
Stanisçuaski, F., Reichert, F., Zandonà, E., et al. (2020). Gender, race, and parenthood impact academic productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Science Advances, 6(36), eabd6207. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abd6207
Vashi, S., Solanki, U., & Singh, S. (2025). Multiple disease prediction system. International Journal of Advanced Research, 13(5), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/20908
Vyas, L. (2022). Work from home and work–life balance: Experiences of Indian employees. Journal of Management Policy and Practice, 23(1), 5–17.
Vyas, L., & Butakhieo, N. (2021). The impact of working from home during COVID-19 on work and life domains: An exploratory study on Hong Kong. Policy Design and Practice, 4(1), 59–76. https://doi.org/10.1080/25741292.2020.1863560
Wang, B., Liu, Y., Qian, J., & Parker, S. K. (2021). Achieving effective remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic: A work design perspective. Applied Psychology, 70(1), 16–59. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12290
Wepfer, A. G., Allen, T. D., Brauchli, R., Jenny, G. J., & Bauer, G. F. (2018). Work–life boundaries and well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 107, 98–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2018.04.004
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Retrieved from https://www.psykiatri-regionh.dk/who-5
Kashyap, R., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). E-voting application using voter authentication. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 3501–3504.
Kriti, Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Evolution of wireless technology: 5G. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 217–221.
Kumar, R., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Explaining deep learning-based traffic classification using a genetic algorithm. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 447–456.
Lu, Y., Liu, Y., Li, Z., & Hu, Y. (2021). IoT-based smart detection system for rice leaf disease using image processing. Sustainable Computing: Informatics and Systems, 30, 100530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suscom.2020.100530
Mehta, H., Singh, S., & Awasthi, R. K. (2025). A review of IoT-based technologies for identification and monitoring of rice crop diseases. International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science, 13(5), 418–426. https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.140500042
Mohanty, S. P., Hughes, D. P., & Salathé, M. (2016). Using deep learning for image-based plant disease detection. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 1419. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.01419
Navadiya, K., & Singh, S. (2025). A review on future extraction of images using different methods. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology, 5(7), 447–456. https://doi.org/10.48175/IJARSCT-25477
Purani, D., & Singh, S. (2025). Innovations in plant disease diagnosis: Bridging nature and technology. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(6), 10693–10701. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.6.0625.2315
Pandey, D. N., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Literature review on 5G. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 739–744.
Patel, E. J., Singh, S., & Awasthi, R. K. (2025). Python-based detection of paddy leaf diseases: A computational approach. International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST), 13(3), 104–108.
Pathak, K., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). A research paper on cloud computing. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 1150–1153.
Picon, A., Alvarez-Gila, A., Seitz, M., Ortiz-Barredo, A., Echazarra, J., & Johannes, A. (2019). Deep learning-based segmentation of hyperspectral images for disease detection in vegetation. Remote Sensing, 11(9), 1010. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11091010
Sahu, D., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Virtual reality flight simulator. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 619–624.
Salah, K., Rehman, M. H. U., Nizamuddin, N., & Al-Fuqaha, A. (2019). Blockchain for AI: Review and open research challenges. IEEE Access, 7, 10127–10149. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2890507
Sharma, R. K., Sethi, S., & Singh, S. (2025). Tech-driven strategies for paddy disease prevention and crop health optimization. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology, 5(1), 988–997. https://doi.org/10.48175/IJARSCT-27399
Shrivas, A. K., & Singh, S. (2016). Big data analytics: A review. International Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 7(3), 92–95. https://doi.org/10.1109/IJCSMC.2016.0610032
Singh, R., Chawda, R. K., & Singh, S. (2021). Analytics on Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds player placement prediction using machine learning. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), 9(5), 313–320.
Singh, S. (2020). Handling different aspects of big data: A review article. Solid State Technology, 63(6). https://solidstatetechnology.us/index.php/JSST/article/view/6356
Singh, S., & Shrivas, A. K. (2017). The analysis of the privacy issues in big data: A review. International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering & Research (IJRTER), 3(4), 298–305. https://doi.org/10.23883/IJRTER.2017.3149.OLHJT
Singh, S., Solanki, U., & Vashi, S. (2025). Multiple disease prediction system. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT), 5(7), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/20908
Vashi, S., Solanki, U., & Singh, S. (2025). Multiple disease prediction system. International Journal of Advanced Research, 13(5), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/20908
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
