Read the following passage about the benefits and challenges of remote work and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

The rise of remote work has transformed the modern workplace, offering flexibility and a better work-life balance for employees around the world (Bloom et al., 2015). >b>[II] This trend, accelerated by technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, allows employees to work from home or any location with internet access (Gajendran & Harrison, 2007). [III] While remote work provides numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that organizations and employees must address to remain productive and engaged. [IV]

One of the main benefits of remote work is increased flexibility. Employees can manage their time more effectively, which often leads to higher job satisfaction and reduced stress. Furthermore, remote work eliminates the need for daily commutes, saving time and reducing transportation expenses. Many employees report feeling more empowered to control their schedules, allowing them to better balance personal and professional responsibilities.

However, remote work also comes with significant challenges. Isolation is a common issue, as employees miss out on face-to-face interactions and team bonding, which are important for mental well-being and collaboration. Studies have shown that prolonged isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, reducing job satisfaction and affecting mental health (Ozcelik & Barsade, 2018). Additionally, remote workers may struggle to maintain boundaries between work and personal life, leading to overwork and burnout.

To make remote work successful, companies need to implement strategies that support employee well-being and productivity. Providing tools for virtual collaboration, setting clear work-life boundaries, and encouraging regular team check-ins can help mitigate the challenges of remote work. By balancing flexibility with structured support, organizations can create a sustainable remote work environment that benefits both employers and employees (Larson & DeChurch, 2020).

(Adapted from Remote Work and Employee Well-being by Bloom, Ozcelik, and others)

Which of the following best summarizes the passage?