The impact of boundary crossing on well-being among remote workers and the moderating role of nonwork role re-engagement (NWRR)

Purpose: As businesses are going on around the clock and the prevalence of remote work arrangements is on the rise, the boundary between work and nonwork contexts is blurring. As a result, workers often find themselves interrupted by their supervisors or colleagues during nonwork hours. However, there is still much to reveal about the impact of boundary-crossing activities on work–life balance as well as how a remote worker’s boundary management capacity may influence this impact. This paper aims to answer these unaddressed questions. Design/methodology/approach: A longitudinal survey was administered using a quantitative method, with 336 US workers providing valid responses. The data were analyzed using regression-based path analysis. Findings: The findings provide evidence that boundary-crossing activities impact remote workers’ work–life balance, and individual differences in boundary management ability, such as nonwork role re-engagement (NWRR), help employees take advantage of remote work flexibility and enhance work–life balance. Research limitations/implications: Drawn from boundary management theory, this study reveals a process effect, through which remote work experience influences work-related interruption during nonwork hours, which impacts work–life balance and well-being. Meanwhile, this study demonstrates that individual differences in NWRR help employees take advantage of remote work flexibility and enhance work–life balance. Originality/value: This research offers valuable insights into the intricate relationships between remote work experiences, boundary-crossing activities, work–life balance and employee well-being. By investigating the mechanisms and individual differences involved, this study contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of the evolving work landscape with remote work blended.