My name is Michael Martino, a fourth-year Professional Communication student at Toronto Metropolitan University. I’m also a Baking & Pastry Arts Management graduate of George Brown College, and work as a Communications & Marketing Officer at the University of Toronto. Transitioning from a background in hospitality to a focus on communication, I aim to utilize my expertise in communication and digital media development within a position that aligns with my interests in technology and culture.
Research Summary
By analyzing data extracted from a wide variety of academic studies and surveys conducted by researchers and industry analysts, this research aims to map out and identify the most common benefits and challenges associated with remote work since its rapid adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on aspects such as work-life balance, productivity, collaboration, and mental health, a thematic analysis was applied to sort variables identified in the data into larger categories that represent what kind of benefit or challenge each variable pertains to. The three main categories of remote work benefits that emerged from the data set were improved employee mental health, increased productivity, and improved work-life balance; the three main categories under challenges were hindered communication and collaboration, increased distractions, and a blurred work/life boundary. The goal of this research is reveal patterns in the data that will provide actionable insights crucial for organizations to craft targeted interventions and support systems for remote workers.
