Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly reshaped work patterns, with a sizable portion of workers becoming engaged in hybrid work (i.e., combining teleworking and in-person work). This study investigates whether hybrid workers, in the post-pandemic era, participate in out-of-home activities differently on their telework days than on their in-person workdays. Using data from 1,438 hybrid workers in California, US, collected during fall 2023, we estimate a multivariate ordered-response probit model with threshold shifters. Differences in participation across six out-of-home activities (shopping, errands, drop-off/pick-up, eating out, visiting friends and family, and exercise) between telework and in-person workdays are jointly modeled. Workers show greater overall activity participation on telework days, with considerable heterogeneity among individuals. On telework days, women and older workers tend to have lower participation in out-of-home activities. Flexible work schedules are associated with higher participation in social activities. Greater time savings (from not having to physically commute) lead to higher overall participation. The results underscore the importance of policies that support flexible work arrangements, considering their potential to positively affect lifestyle and productivity. Additionally, teleworking at non-home locations is linked to higher activity participation overall, suggesting potential trip-chaining or unique activity allocation strategies that warrant further investigation. The study contributes to the literature on post-pandemic teleworking and activity participation, and offers valuable insights into urban planning, transportation policy, and remote-work policies.