Effects of work-from-home (WFH)/hybrid work on well-being, work performance, and work engagement in architectural, engineering, and construction industry

Purpose The effect of work-from-home (WFH) on human working factors in architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry has been unexplored. The work aims to address the existing research gaps and analyze the effects of hybrid work patterns on work engagement, work performance and various well-being factors. This study seeks to determine the best current work arrangement while providing valuable insights and trends. Design/methodology/approach This study deploys a survey of 220 AEC sample population on both work patterns using anonymous online questionnaires. The questions were established and modified based on International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) and the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). Findings While WFH workers currently work 1.38 days per week, they prefer 2.27 days. Hybrid workers show slightly higher engagement, but increasing WFH for on-site employees reduces performance from 2 to 13%. Work performance remains stable, suggesting that maintaining current arrangement can optimize employees’ productivity. Research limitations/implications The findings facilitate organizations in the AEC sector to optimize work patterns for enhancing employees’ productivity, satisfaction and overall workplace effectiveness regarding Sociotechnical Systems Theory. Results can advocate their organizational HR policy and standard establishment. Originality/value The novelty of this work is to explore the optimal WFH rate and work pattern impacts in the AEC industry for the first time. The work offers insights into WFH work engagement, performance and well-being.