Winners and losers of working-from home – The impact of perceived person-environment fit towards continuance intention

The transformative shift towards working from home (WFH) triggered by the pandemic has demonstrated its potential to become a long-term arrangement in many corporations. However, extant literature has paid limited attention to comprehending the intricate process through which employees evaluate the WFH experience. This study endeavors to assess the long-term continuous intentions to WFH by investigating the relationship between WFH characteristics and the perceived person-environment fit. Drawing upon the person-environment fit theory, our research framework incorporates six distinct characteristics of the WFH environment that directly influence the perceived person-environment fit, which has implications on job satisfaction, job performance, and work-life balance, as well as the continuous intentions to WFH. Analyzing survey data gathered from 243 respondents in Vietnam with the PLS technique, our results reveal positive associations between the ability to handle interruptions and physical isolation, the adequacy of job autonomy, and perceived person-environment fit. Perceived person-environment fit was found to positively affect the intention to continue WFH, job performance, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. Additionally, the moderating role of extroversion in these relationships was discussed, shedding light on the nuanced interplay between personality traits and the WFH experience. We discuss how employers can tailor policies that align with employee expectations, and individuals can make informed decisions regarding work-life balance and overall satisfaction.