'A fish out of water'<bold>:</bold> employees' perceptions of working from home during COVID-19

This qualitative study explored perceptions regarding work from home (WFH). The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in WFH. Despite its potential advantages compared to work outside home (WOH), WFH may also be challenging and intensify both work-home and home-work conflicts. The sample included 150 Israeli employees who worked from home due to COVID-19. We inquired about WFH perceptions by asking participants to provide metaphors for WFH, as well as WOH. We also explored the advantages and challenges of WFH as reported by the participants. The findings pointed to complex perceptions regarding WFH, with most participants viewing it as negative. Among the women, a minority viewed it positively, as it enabled them greater space for negotiating work-home and home-work conflicts, suggesting that traditional gender roles have been maintained. Thus, while examining changes due to the shock of the pandemic, the study sheds light on WFH that endure under ordinary circumstances. This study demonstrates the ongoing importance of social and communal support, as well as state policies, for promoting gender equality.