Virtual work challenges experienced by knowledge workers in organizations undergoing digitalization

Purpose: This study aims to gain insight into the existing knowledge of the challenges affecting the well-being of individuals who engage in virtual work.

Theory: Powered by available and developing technology, digitalization enables work activity outside office locations as organizations transition from co-located to virtual work. Individuals can thus choose when and where to carry out their work tasks. However, the transition to virtual workplaces causes concern in both managers and employees, because it affects work distribution and organization, organizational structures, and management practices. Therefore, such a transition requires customized strategies for achieving optimized work performance and employee well-being in virtual work.

Approach: We reviewed the available literature on virtual work to develop a comprehensive overview of the well-being challenges knowledge workers experience when working virtually.

Findings: By reviewing the literature on virtual work, we observe that such analysis is fragmented. Therefore, we compile six challenges in virtual work affecting the well-being of employees and managers.

Originality/value: The study contributes to research on digitalization of knowledge work by clarifying and organizing key challenges knowledge workers experience when working virtually and compile the available knowledge in a comprehensive overview.