Det nya arbetslivet - En studie om det gränslösa arbetets inverkan på individen

Abstract

The boundless work is a phenomenon belonging to the psychosocial work environment where psychological ill-health is a rising problem in many organizations. The present study is thus highly relevant in the role of human resources, as a part of the HR’s work is about working actively and preventing mental ill-health. The study aims to gain a greater understanding for the individual’s experience of the boundaryless work. Thus, the purpose of the study has been to chart the individual's experience of the boundless work in the form of increased accessibility and how it differs between gender and family situation. The theoretical framework is based on conceptual definitions and previous research in boundless work, which are then linked together through the two theories of work-family conflict and the demand- control model. To answer the questions within the purpose a quantitative questionnaire with elements of qualitative method has been conducted. To study the above phenomena, an extreme group was chosen within the terms of flexibility and availability. Thus, the survey was conducted by real estate agents in one single company. The results show that the individuals perceive availability as negative but the possibility of flexible work outweighs this negative aspect of the boundless work. No connection could be seen between the boundless work and fatigue. Furthermore, we could not see a significant difference between either gender or family situation.