The Long-Term Impact of Remote Work on the Psychological Well-being in the IT Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

The widespread adoption of remote work has significantly reshaped employment structures, particularly in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has transitioned from an emergency response to a long-term model. While it offers benefits such as flexibility and improved work–life integration, it also presents psychological challenges including isolation, stress, and blurred personal-professional boundaries. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) synthesizes findings from 53 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 to examine psychological outcomes of remote work in the IT sector. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, the review spans diverse global contexts and highlights both negative outcomes such as burnout, digital fatigue, and social isolation and moderating factors like leadership support, digital infrastructure, and role clarity. While some professionals report enhanced well-being due to autonomy and reduced commuting, others experience cognitive overload and reduced emotional resilience. Cultural and contextual variables, particularly in South Asia, further shape these outcomes through factors such as shared living arrangements and infrastructural limitations. The review identifies key methodological limitations, including inconsistent use of validated mental health measures and limited focus on hybrid work models. Based on the synthesized evidence, it recommends organizational strategies such as trust-based management, clearer work-hour boundaries, and targeted support for caregivers and women managing dual roles. Investment in digital resources and culturally sensitive practices is also emphasized. Finally, the review calls for future research employing longitudinal designs and standardized tools like the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory to deepen understanding of long-term psychological effects and include underrepresented populations and hybrid work settings.