Age, work life conflict and stress among employees working remotely in Malaysia

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world in March 2020, it forced most organizations in Malaysia to allow their employees to work remotely. Accelerating the digitization of work and integration of Artificial Intelligence technology in workplaces, while teleworking became part and parcel of working life in Malaysia. As a result organizations and employees were faced with new challenges. Thus, the an increasing interest in identifying ways to aid the adaptation to the challenges that came with the enforced remote working and digitalisation of work tasks. The present study aims to explore the role played by age in the relationship between work-life conflict and stress outcomes(e.g. somatic, depression & anxiety symptoms) among those working remotely. The data for this conference paper was obtained through an online questionnaire designed to investigate the impact of enforced remote work on employee performance, engagement, psychological resources and health and wellbeing. The sample consisted of 335 employees working remotely, 56% of the sample was under 28 years old and 58% were single and without dependents. The preliminary results indicate that work interference with personal life significantly exacerbates the negative impact of work-related stress on health and well-being. In other words, work interference with personal life was found to negatively impact the effect of work stressors on somatic stress, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Thus highlighting the importance of incorporating organizational policies and practices that foster work-life balance and positive health and well-being among the emerging remote or hybrid workforce.