WORK ENGAGEMENT IN TELEWORKING AND FACE-TO-FACE WORK: A STUDY OF CHILEAN WORKERS

Abstract

The research analyzes Work Engagement under telework and on-site working conditions in workers in the region of Arica and Parinacota in Chile, during the year 2020, a period that covers both work modalities. A quantitative and correlational approach was used. The population was constituted by the labor force of the region of Arica and Parinacota in Chile, which was 95,060 workers. By means of random probability sampling, with a standard deviation of 0.5, a confidence level of 95% and 7% error, a sample of 196 participating subjects was obtained. For data collection, a questionnaire was used based on the UWES-9 (Schaufeli & Bakker, 2004) with a battery of 33 questions, aimed at identifying sociodemographic characteristics of the sample, measuring work engagement according to the triad of vigor, dedication and absorption, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the two employment modalities. The results reveal that Work Engagement is affected by the work modality used and influenced by the sociodemographic variables, which indicates correlation. It is concluded that it is premature to consider these results as definitive, due to the unusual and unexpected conditions under which work engagement was assessed. On the other hand, further studies are required on the triggers/drivers of work engagement and their correlation with sociodemographic characteristics, as well as a follow-up of teleworking as a developing work modality.