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.