Telework Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Residential Density and Travel Behavior

The COVID-19 pandemic was a teleworking catalyst, but less is known about the implications for the built environment, travel behavior, and social equity following the pandemic. Using three rounds of survey data ( n = 474) in Flanders, Belgium—at the onset of the pandemic (April–May 2020), 1 year into the pandemic (April–May 2021), and after a return to normal (October–November 2022)—this research investigates teleworking profiles using residential population densities, necessary trip behavior and satisfaction, and sociodemographic characteristics. Four profiles are evaluated: not teleworking; teleworking during the pandemic and continuing afterward; teleworking during the pandemic but returning to work physically; and teleworking before, during, and after. Results indicate a negative relationship between teleworking and residential population density, so teleworking options might contribute to equitable access to employment. Alternatively, beginning to telework might prompt a residential movement to less dense areas with more space. Non-teleworkers were generally more mobile (frequency, distance, and duration) in regard to necessary trips than teleworkers. Women were more likely to return to work physically, indicating challenges in work–life balance that might benefit from the structure and separation that comes with commuting. Finally, experienced teleworkers were older and full-time employed, indicating that skill and job competence might relate to flexible contracts that include teleworking alongside employer trust. Increases in and the normalization of teleworking following the COVID-19 pandemic are related to work–life balance, equity, the urban form, and travel patterns, and understanding these relationships can aid in predicting teleworking trends and informing supportive policy.