Proactive use of character strengths in remote work: from need-related demands and resources to need fulfillment

Purpose The spread of remote work has created new challenges and opportunities for employee well-being and performance, necessitating theoretical frameworks that can guide both understanding and interventions. In this paper, we develop a theoretical framework that explains proactive psychological needs satisfaction in remote work, building on self-determination theory (SDT), the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, and the VIA character strengths taxonomy. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual analysis was conducted of the need-related demands and resources associated with remote work, as well as the character strengths that may be proactively leveraged to buffer these demands or enhance these resources. This analysis was based on a narrative review of both empirical and theoretical literature. Findings Remote work may offer need-related resources, such as schedule control, self-paced learning and diverse digital contacts, but may also impose need-related demands, such as boundary blurring, technological strain and social isolation. Purposefully activating character strengths can convert these needs-related resources and demands into growth opportunities, reinforcing fulfillment of the needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness, and in turn, enhancing well-being and performance. This strengths-based lens implies that character strengths can help employees draw greater benefit from available resources and navigate the challenges of remote work by influencing how they perceive and engage with job resources and demands, ultimately supporting a more sustainable and fulfilling path for both employees and organizations. Originality/value This model identifies character strengths as personal resources that employees can proactively use to meet challenges and leverage opportunities in remote work.