The impact of telework on older adults’ work-life balance in post-pandemic times. Evidence from teleworkers over 55 in Milan

Purpose This study employs a qualitative approach to explore the impact of telework on the work-life balance of older workers (aged 55–65) in Italy’s quaternary sector. Based on 24 in-depth interviews conducted in Milan in 2024, the research focuses on workers in information technology, media, research and development, and other knowledge-based services. Given the high telework feasibility in these desk-based professions, the study examines how remote work affects time management and caregiving responsibilities. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a qualitative study based on 24 in-depth interviews carried out between November 2023 and May 2024 in Milan, Italy’s hub for the quaternary sector. Eighteen narrative interviews were conducted with remote workers aged 55–62, and six semi-structured interviews were held with HR managers and union representatives. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo-14, with member checking and peer debriefing to enhance credibility. Findings The findings indicate that telework affects older workers’ work-life balance in three key ways. First, similar to other age groups, older employees experience overwork and increased caregiving demands, though telework helps reduce commuting time. Second, they highly value remote work for managing “sandwich generation” responsibilities, balancing childcare and eldercare. Third, older workers uniquely use telework as a “quiet quitting” strategy to separate work from personal life, delaying early retirement. These insights highlight both commonalities and differences in telework experiences across age groups, emphasizing the need for tailored policies to support older employees in flexible work arrangements. Originality/value This study contributes to telework research by centering older workers, an often-overlooked demographic, in work-life balance discussions. It provides novel insights into how remote work facilitates caregiving, affects workload, and serves as a tool for delaying retirement. By focusing on Italy’s quaternary sector, where remote work is increasingly prevalent, the study underscores the importance of age-sensitive policies that address older workers’ specific needs. The findings challenge one-size-fits-all telework policies and highlight the necessity of flexible work arrangements that consider generational differences, ultimately informing labor policies that better support aging employees in digitalized work environments.