The Effect of Remote Work on Family and Work Dynamics Within the Sport Industry

in Journal of Sport Management

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Matt R. HumlSchool of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9951-4495*
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Elizabeth A. TaylorSchool of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

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Eric M. MartinDepartment of Kinesiology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2022-0082
Keywords:
workplace flexibility; work-family spillover; workaholism; college sport; employee experiences
First Published Online:
13 Jan 2023
In Print:
Volume 37: Issue 3
Page Range:
179–190
Restricted access

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of required remote work on work–family spillover within U.S. college sport. In particular, we examined the changes in work–family spillover (positive and negative), job commitment, and workaholism as employee’s work environment changed from traditional work expectations to work from home, and if these changes were, at least partially, due to parental responsibilities. Data were collected from full-time, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic department employees (n = 1,139) in November 2019 and again in May 2020 following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the transition to remote work. Results showed that sport employees found a number of benefits associated with working remotely, including a significant decrease in negative work–family spillover. However, employees with children at home reported higher levels of negative family–work spillover after going to remote work. Workaholism was also higher after the move to remote work. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Huml (humlmt@uc.edu) is corresponding author, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9951-4495

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