When two worlds collude: Working from home and family functioning in Australia

Abstract

This article analyses the effect of employees working from home on their partners' assessments of family functioning using Australian household panel data collected from 2001 to 2013 in 48 multivariate models. Some evidence is found that working from home contributes to better relationships and a more equitable division of household responsibilities for couples with children. Limited evidence of negative externalities is observed, notably where male employees work substantial hours from home. Overall the findings contribute to the weight of evidence that working from home is conducive to families achieving a better work-life balance.