AUSTIN — The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of employees into remote work setups, but not all experiences were positive. While remote work offers benefits like flexibility and work-life balance, it also presents challenges in collaboration and communication. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology explored what makes remote work successful, using data from the employee review platform Glassdoor. The study found that companies with employee-centric cultures, fostering collaboration and providing flexibility, were more likely to have thriving remote work environments.
The researchers utilized Glassdoor’s anonymous employee reviews, which offered valuable insights into company culture. They collected over 140,000 reviews from current employees at 52 Fortune 500 companies that allowed remote work from March 2019 to March 2021, coinciding with the pandemic. By focusing on the pros and cons sections of the reviews, the researchers conducted textual analysis to identify patterns and sentiments.
“We found these keywords in reviews like ‘work-life balance’ or ‘flexible work’ occurring frequently in the pros section of good companies,” Ph.D. student Mohit Chandra said in a university release. Conversely, companies with toxic cultures frequently failed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; made workers feel disrespected; and acted unethically.
Using statistical and deep learning methods, the researchers developed an algorithmic prediction task to determine which cultural attributes of companies prior to the pandemic contributed to favorable remote work environments. The model successfully predicted favorable remote work environments with an accuracy of 76% of the time. The researchers categorized company culture into seven subgroups, encompassing 41 dimensions, such as interests, work values, and interpersonal relationships.
The study revealed that companies with a positive remote work culture excelled in three main categories:
- Interests: Companies that empower employees to pursue their own goals, interests, and work styles were viewed more favorably.
- Work values: Companies that provided autonomy and encouraged collaboration were associated with higher job satisfaction.
- Structured job characteristics: Companies offering flexible work arrangements and hours were more likely to attract contented employees.
The research team believes that the results reflect generational differences in employee values. Younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, prioritize company culture and flexibility over high compensation. The study highlights the importance of creating inclusive and employee-centric work environments to meet the evolving expectations of the workforce.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights for organizations transitioning to remote work or implementing hybrid work models. Companies that prioritize employee interests, promote collaboration, and offer flexibility are more likely to succeed in remote work environments. The research emphasizes the need to adapt company cultures to meet the changing expectations of the workforce and attract and retain talent in the evolving remote work landscape.