The Drawbacks (and Potential Benefits) of Cross-Domain Attention Residue

Work-from-home has gained significant attention over the past few years and predictions are that it will increase in 2023 (Robinson, 2023). We propose that recent research on attention residue (Leroy, 2009; Newton et al., 2020) and intrusions—or unexpected encounters with another that interrupt one’s work (Bush et al., 2022; Jett & George, 2003)—can provide insights into understanding the unique challenges that work-from-home employees encounter. Specifically, we integrate research on attention residue, intrusions, work-family conflict, engagement, and family supportive behaviors using the job demands-resources model (JD-R model; Bakker & Demerouti, 2007) and its extension (Crawford et al., 2010) and boundary theory (Ashforth et al., 2000) to examine how cross-domain attention residue impacts work-family conflict and work engagement, as well as work and family performance. In addition, we examine whether family supportive behaviors buffer the negative effects of cross-domain attention residue on work-family conflict and work and family performance. In a sample of 183 matched participant-partner pairs, we tested and found support for several of our hypotheses. The current study has important implications for organizations and employees who work remotely from home.