Example 5. The Impact of Remote Work on Family Dynamics and Relationships Title: Exploring How Remote Work Has Shifted Family Roles and Relationships: A 6-Month Study
Introduction:
The shift to remote work has been one of the most significant changes in the modern workforce. While it has given employees greater flexibility, it has also brought new challenges for families navigating shared workspaces and daily routines. This study will focus on how remote work is reshaping family dynamics, especially in homes where both parents are working from home. With 2025 continuing to see high numbers of remote workers, understanding how this impacts family life is crucial for work-life balance discussions.
Literature Review:
While previous studies like Roberts et al. (2021) have explored how remote work affects individual productivity, fewer have examined its impact on family structures. Studies like Clarkson and Zhang (2022) highlight how remote work has changed parenting roles, with many families reporting more shared responsibilities. This research will build on that by examining how couples and children are adjusting to long-term remote work environments.
Research Design and Methods:
The study will follow 150 families, each with both parents working from home. Data will be gathered through family interviews, daily journals, and surveys focusing on household routines, parenting duties, communication patterns, and relationship satisfaction. Comparisons will be made between families with children under 12 and those with older teens to assess differences in dynamics.
Timeline:
The research will be completed over six months, with two months dedicated to participant recruitment and setup, followed by four months of data collection and analysis.
Budget:
The budget of $35,000 will cover participant compensation, survey tools, and data analysis software, as well as researcher fees.
Outcomes and Implications:
This study will offer insight into how remote work is reshaping family life. Its findings will be useful for employers developing remote work policies, as well as for family therapists and educators looking to support families in this new work environment.