Performance at a Distance: A Meta-Analysis of Remote Work Usage and Intensity

Despite rapid growth in remote work research, evidence on performance implications remains mixed. Drawing on 89 studies, this meta-analysis examines how remote work usage and intensity relate to performance across rating sources, voluntariness, and COVID-19 phases. Results show small positive associations with individual performance, primarily for self-rated measures, whereas supervisor-rated and objective outcomes remain largely unaffected. Contrary to expectations, voluntariness and temporal context do not moderate effects. Findings suggest that remote work benefits are modest, measurement-dependent, and concentrated at the individual level.