Telework Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Residential Density and Travel Behavior

The COVID-19 pandemic was a teleworking catalyst, but less is known about the implications for the built environment, travel behavior, and social equity following the pandemic. Using three rounds of survey data (n = 474) in Flanders, Belgium-at the onset of the pandemic (April-May 2020), 1 year into the pandemic (April-May 2021), and after a return to normal (October-November 2022)-this research investigates teleworking profiles using residential population densities, necessary trip behavior and satisfaction, and sociodemographic characteristics. Four profiles are evaluated: not teleworking; teleworking during the pandemic and continuing afterward; teleworking during the pandemic but returning to work physically; and teleworking before, during, and after. Results indicate a negative relationship between teleworking and residential population density, so teleworking options might contribute to equitable access to employment. Alternatively, beginning to telework might prompt a residential movement to less dense areas with more space. Non-teleworkers were generally more mobile (frequency, distance, and duration) in regard to necessary trips than teleworkers. Women were more likely to return to work physically, indicating challenges in work-life balance that might benefit from the structure and separation that comes with commuting. Finally, experienced teleworkers were older and full-time employed, indicating that skill and job competence might relate to flexible contracts that include teleworking alongside employer trust. Increases in and the normalization of teleworking following the COVID-19 pandemic are related to work-life balance, equity, the urban form, and travel patterns, and understanding these relationships can aid in predicting teleworking trends and informing supportive policy.