8304858 Structuring quality of working life research in remote and hybrid work: a topic modelling framework for identifying key variables

<h3>Background</h3> The expansion of remote and hybrid work has reshaped contemporary work environments, creating new opportunities to enhance frameworks for assessing Quality of Working Life (QWL). While existing models offer valuable foundations, further development is needed to reflect evolving dynamics, including psychosocial factors, digital demands, flexibility, and gendered experiences. This study advances a literature-informed, topic modelling approach to develop a standardised set of variables for evaluating QWL in remote and hybrid contexts. <h3>Objectives</h3> To systematically identify key research areas within the QWL literature using topic modelling, and to develop a context-specific, literature-informed assessment instrument comprising a standardised set of core variables for evaluating essential dimensions of QWL in remote and hybrid work settings. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted topic modelling on interdisciplinary publications retrieved from the Scopus® database, using a targeted search strategy applied to titles, abstracts, and keywords. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was implemented with the MALLET toolkit in Python, yielding twelve thematic clusters, including systems and design aspects, organisational dynamics, employment conditions, mental health, gender roles, and policy. <h3>Results</h3> The findings informed the development of a multidimensional, standardised instrument comprising variables related to autonomy, work intensity, care responsibilities, digital infrastructure, psychosocial outcomes, and living conditions. It also integrates conceptual dimensions such as ‘pleasure in work,’ ‘mastery,’ and ‘fellowship,’ aligning with occupational health principles and the broader societal values embedded in existing models. This instrument contributes to addressing conceptual gaps in the assessment of remote work, self-employment, and the integration of occupational health and safety (OHS). <h3>Conclusions</h3> By integrating topic modelling with the development of a targeted core set of variables, this study offers a structured approach to support future research and policy discussions on Quality of Working Life (QWL), remote and hybrid work, psychosocial factors, and occupational well-being in digitally mediated work environments.