Analysis of the effects of teleworking on individuals' residential location preferences and travel behaviours: The case of İzmir province

The effects of the rapid development in information and communication technologies on human life is an issue that needs to be considered multidimensionally. Today, innovations in technology have changed the traditional office working life, and with the advances in the field of informatics and its reflection on working life; it has become easier for employees to do their work away from the office, and remote working practices have become more and more widespread. The concept of teleworking is based on the use of information and communication technologies to move the act of working out of the traditional office environment and to work from a tele center, home or a different area thanks to the opportunities offered by technological developments. Technological developments are also changing housing and travel preferences. In the past, the concept of housing was used to meet the need for security and shelter, but today, as individuals have switched to teleworking, housing demands with different characteristics have emerged. In this sense, there are many physical, socio-cultural and economic criteria that affect individuals' housing preferences. These criteria are also directly affected by individuals' working life. Changes in individuals' working lives also have an impact on their travel behaviour. In particular, it is seen that the change in residence-workplace journeys affects the type and time of transportation used by individuals. Factors affecting travel preferences and directing individuals' behaviours cause changes in their daily travel behaviours. This study was conducted to examine the effects of 'teleworking' on individuals' housing and travel preferences by utilizing information and communication technologies in working life in the city of Izmir. In line with the stated purpose, the theoretical background of the study subject was examined by reviewing the literature on travel behaviours and housing preferences caused by teleworking. Then, information about the selected sample area is given. Within the scope of the study, a questionnaire survey was conducted in line with the stated purpose by reaching individuals working in a traditional office environment and teleworking in the city of Izmir. In the survey, demographic characteristics and lifestyles of the participants were examined, and then the importance of the factors affecting the housing preferences of the people participating in the study and the changing preferences after Covid 19 were evaluated during the pandemic process. As a result of the analyses made according to the data obtained because of the field research, it was observed that the issues that teleworking affects individuals' transportation and housing preferences vary according to individuals' lifestyles, age and status.