Telework dynamics: Communication at work moderates the relationship between resilience and stress.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between resilience and mental health outcomes, specifically anxiety, depression, and stress, among remote workers. Additionally, it explores how communication with superiors and peers may influence this relationship. A sample of 200 Spanish employees, recruited incidentally through social networks, participated in the study. Inclusion criteria required participants to be currently employed with at least six months of remote work experience. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between variables and test the hypotheses. To explore moderation effects, Hayes’ PROCESS Model 1 was employed, providing a robust framework for examining whether communication with superiors and peers moderates the association between resilience and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and stress). The findings revealed negative correlations between resilience and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, analyses indicated that effective communication with both superiors and peers significantly moderates the resilience-stress relationship. Communication was found to bolster the stress-buffering effects of resilience. Overall, these results emphasize the critical importance of fostering robust communication channels in remote work environments to enhance employee resilience and mitigate stress. Organizational strategies such as regular check-ins, transparent communication practices, and supportive environments can facilitate better mental health outcomes for remote workers.