ABSTRACT
While researchers have proposed policies in support of work from home (WFH) practices, the process of recommending such policies based on the implementation challenges remains unknown. The application of the theory of inventive problem-solving (TRIZ) as a creative approach to enhancing WFH practices also remains unresearched. This study aims to apply the use of TRIZ in proposing ergonomic recommendations to resolve WFH issues. The study included literature on WFH challenges related to employer perception, work schedule arrangements, work environment, and the lack of face-to-face communication. The challenges were addressed through TRIZ contradictions, system parameters, inventive principles, and recommendations based on the inventive principles which acted as solution models to the contradictions. The principles included #23 feedback, #25 self-service, #35 parameter changes, #15 dynamics, #1 segmentation, and #40 composite materials. With reference to each solution model’s definition, this study recommended that the contradictions are resolvable by instituting employee recognitions, administering quality circles in problem-solving, simplifying complex processes, implementing job rotation among employees, regrouping employees into smaller teams, and administering systems thinking in all forms of communications. Although the recommendations have yet to be tested in a real working environment, this study was able to successfully demonstrate the use of TRIZ in preliminarily resolving WFH challenges for improved work–life balance while potentially reaping the positive impacts of WFH practices.
