CHAPTER II

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

FOREIGN LITERATURE

The nature of work environments has led to an increasing interest in understanding the

stress levels experienced by employees, particularly in contrasting settings such as office-based

and home-based work. This review aims to explore existing literature on the stress levels of

office-based employees and home-based employees, shedding light on the factors contributing to

stress in each setting and potential implications for employee well-being and organizational

performance.

Office-based employees often face stressors unique to the traditional office environment.

Research indicates that factors such as long commutes, crowded workspaces, and interpersonal

conflicts can contribute to elevated stress levels among office-based workers (Bolliger et al.,

2022). Additionally, the pressure to conform to strict schedules and meet performance targets

within the office setting can further exacerbate stress (Siegel & Lazar, 2019).

However, with the rise of remote work arrangements, the stress landscape for home-based

employees has garnered attention. While remote work offers flexibility and autonomy, it also

presents its own set of stressors. Studies suggest that feelings of isolation, blurred boundaries

between work and personal life, and technological challenges can contribute to heightened stress

levels among home-based employees (Koudagani et al., 2020). Moreover, the lack of separation
between home and work environments can lead to difficulties in disengaging from work-related

tasks, potentially increasing the risk of burnout (Boamah et al., 2022).

Comparing the stress levels of office-based and home-based employees reveals nuanced

differences influenced by environmental factors and job characteristics. Office-based employees

may experience stress stemming from the physical demands of the workplace and interpersonal

dynamics, while home-based employees may contend with challenges related to work-life

balance and isolation. However, both groups share common stressors such as workload pressures

and job insecurity (Abduo et al., 2024).

Understanding the stress levels of office-based and home-based employees is essential for

organizations seeking to promote employee well-being and productivity. By recognizing the

unique stressors present in each work setting, employers can implement targeted interventions

and support systems to mitigate stress and foster a healthier work environment for all employees.

LOCAL LITERATURE

Orlanda and Ventayen (2021) examined workplace stress and depression among educators

in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for effective stress management to maintain a conducive

teaching environment. Their study highlighted the prevalence of stress and depression among

teachers and underscored the importance of addressing these issues. Understanding their findings

can provide insights into managing stress for both office-based and home-based employees,

contributing to our exploration of stress levels and their impact on work performance (Orlanda et

al., 2021).
However, Esguerra (2020) examined work-life balance and job stress among employees of a lone

agricultural college in Bulacan, Philippines. Their study revealed that while most employees felt

their work-life balance was out of sync, factors such as age and educational attainment

significantly influenced job stress levels. This underscores the importance of understanding

individual differences in managing stress in the workplace. However, the study did not

specifically address the difference in stress levels between office-based and home-based

employees or its impact on their work performances (Esguerra, 2020).

Furthermore, Parilla et al. (2022) investigated the impact of working from home on selected

employees' job performance during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Their study

found that employees reported greater enjoyment, satisfaction, and motivation while working

remotely, leading to enhanced job performance. However, the study did not directly address

stress levels.

Moreover, Delle-Vergini (2018) investigated managers' perceptions of employees working from

home in a small BPO company in the Philippines. The study revealed challenges such as trust

issues and feelings of isolation among home-based employees. Despite mixed perceptions among

managers about the success of the transition, both managers and employees faced similar issues

identified in the literature. Notably, managers' trust levels significantly dropped post-migration.

Recommendations were made to address these challenges and improve support for home-based

employees. However, further research is needed in the Philippines' BPO industry. While the

study's focus is on managers' perceptions, the identified challenges are relevant to understanding
stress levels and work performances in different work settings, aligning with our research

objectives (Delle-Vergini, 2018).

Moreover, Pilarta and Noroña (2021) examined the perceived effectiveness of work-from-home

(WFH) employees and its impact on employee engagement. Using Structural Equation

Modeling, the study found that company factors, such as people management and HR policies,

significantly influenced WFH arrangements. Moreover, employee engagement moderated the

relationship between WFH arrangements and employee effectiveness. The study highlights the

importance of fostering a supportive work environment to enhance employee performance in

remote settings. While WFH arrangements offer flexibility, they also pose challenges such as

blurred work-life boundaries and feelings of isolation. Nonetheless, establishing a robust

implementation framework for WFH arrangements can lead to a high-performing and engaged

workforce (Pilarta & Noroña, 2021).

The findings from the study underscore the positive impact of remote work on job performance,

emphasizing the significance of factors such as job satisfaction and work motivation. Integrating

these insights into our research on stress levels among office-based and home-based employees

can significantly enhance our understanding of the broader implications of different work

environments on employee well-being and productivity. In our research, we aim to delve into the

specific differences in stress levels between office-based and home-based employees and how

these differences affect their job performance. By gaining insights into the unique stressors faced

by each group, we can develop targeted strategies to support employee well-being and enhance

productivity in both settings. Building upon the findings of the mentioned study, our research
contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of stress dynamics in various work

environments and aids in the development of effective interventions to promote employee

welfare and organizational success.

FOREIGN STUDIES

According to the study by Memon et al. (2023) The exploration of stress levels between

office-based and home-based employees is crucial in understanding the dynamics of modern

work environments. Office-based employees contend with stressors associated with commuting,

rigid schedules, and workplace distractions (Peoples, 2019; Weideman & Hofmeyr, 2020).

Additionally, the hierarchical structure prevalent in offices can induce anxiety and interpersonal

conflicts, further impacting job satisfaction (Hoboubi et al., 2017). The blurring of work-life

boundaries, compounded by technological connectivity, exacerbates stress among office workers

and covid 19 pandemic (Chan et al., 2022). Physical demands such as prolonged sitting also

contribute to stress (Lurati et al., n.d). Moreover, the competitive nature of office environments

adds to the pressure, affecting cognitive functioning and overall performance (Sharam et al.,

2023).

The pervasive use of technology, while enabling connectivity, also contributes to stress through

digital overload. Understanding these disparities is essential for devising strategies to support

employee well-being and optimize work performances in diverse work settings.

LOCAL STUDIES
 According to the study by Richter et al. (2019) The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the

landscape of work, forcing many organizations to adopt remote work arrangements to ensure

business continuity and employee safety. This shift has led to a significant departure from

traditional office-based work setups, prompting an examination of the differential stress

experiences between office-based and home-based employees in the Philippines. Understanding

these differences is crucial for assessing their impact on work performance and informing

organizational strategies to support employee well-being during these challenging times ( Delos

Santos et al., (2021)

However, Lumanta (2022) the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted various stressors prevalent in

office-based environments, including commuting, workplace politics, and rigid schedules.

Conversely, studies on telecommuting identified benefits such as increased autonomy, flexibility,

and reduced commuting-related stress. However, the sudden transition to remote work due to the

pandemic introduced novel stressors, including blurred boundaries between work and home life,

technological challenges, and social isolation.

In the context of the Philippines, a study by Moran, (2023) explored the stress experiences of

office-based employees in urban areas, emphasizing factors such as traffic congestion and long

commute times as significant contributors to workplace stress. However, the shift to remote work

brought about by COVID-19 prompted a reassessment of these stressors, with many employees

experiencing newfound flexibility but also grappling with challenges related to remote

collaboration and digital connectivity.

Similarly, Dela Cerna, (2019) conducted a study on the stress levels of home-based workers

Filipino, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and self-discipline in managing stress.

However, the prolonged nature of remote work during the pandemic exacerbated feelings of

isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life, leading to heightened stress

levels among some home-based employees.

The differential stress experiences between office-based and home-based employees have

significant implications for work performance in the Philippines. While remote work offers

flexibility and autonomy, excessive stress can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and

impaired decision-making. Organizations must recognize these challenges and implement

strategies to support employee well-being, such as promoting work-life balance, providing

mental health resources, and fostering a culture of communication and collaboration.

As the Philippines navigates the complexities of remote work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,

understanding the differences in stress levels between office-based and home-based employees is

essential for promoting employee well-being and sustaining organizational performance. By

addressing the unique stressors faced by each group and implementing targeted interventions,

organizations can mitigate the negative impact of stress on work performance and foster a

healthy and resilient workforce (Dela Cerna et al., 2019)

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