INFLUENCES OF THE VIRTUAL OFFICE ON ASPECTS OF WORK AND WORK LIFE BALANCE/

Millions of employees now use portable electronic tools to do their jo bs from a ''virtual office'' with extensive flexibility in the timing and location of work. However, little scholarly research exists about the effects of this burgeoning work form. This study of IBM employees explored influences of the virtual office on aspects of work and work/ life balance as reported by virtual office teleworkers (n = 157) and a n equivalent group of traditional office workers (n = 89). Qualitative analyses revealed the perception of greater productivity, higher mora le, increased flexibility and longer work hours due to telework, as we ll as an equivocal influence on work/life balance and a negative influ ence on teamwork. Using a quasi-experimental design, quantitative mult ivariate analyses supported the qualitative findings related to produc tivity, flexibility and work/life balance. However, multivariate analy ses failed to support the qualitative findings for morale, teamwork an d work hours. This study highlights the need for a multi-method approa ch, including both qualitative and quantitative elements, when studyin g telework.