The relationship between working from home and employee productivity

Abstract

Orientation: The relationship between working from home and employee productivity. Research Purpose: This study aimed to understand if there is a relationship between working from home and employee productivity while also understanding the factors that effect productivity when working from home. The answers received will provide input into policy formation around work from home arrangements.

Motivation for the study: With more organisations implementing work from home arrangements, this study was undertaken to investigate if there was a relationship between working from home and employee productivity. The study built upon a rich foundation provided by the literature and gave insight into how organisations can ramp up their employee value proposition and implement policies and procedures to improve employee productivity.

Research approach/design and method: The research conducted used an inductive method of thematic analysis of 29 semi-structured interviews of white collared workers who work for organisations based within Johannesburg. Purposive sampling of participants with the common criteria of working from home either full time or at least more than once a week was used. The interviews were semi-structured to elicit as much information from the participants as possible.

Main findings: The study showed a positive relationship between working from home and employee productivity in that productivity increased due to ability to focus and minimal distractions. Being disciplined and accountable are vital qualities for employees to have when working from home. Productivity was seen to increase however this could have been attributed to the increase in the number of working hours worked in a day. The participants enjoyed a hybrid working arrangement and preferred to have more days working from home than from the office.

Practical/managerial implications: With the changes within the working environment and majority of organisations offering different types of working from home arrangements, policies need to be developed that enhance employee wellness and the employee value proposition to retain and attract employees. Additionally, organisations being able to leverage on the benefits of increasing productivity through working from home arrangements.

Contribution/value-add: This study aims to substantiate other similar studies within South Africa for organisations to enhance employee productivity, improve employee engagement and develop deeper human interactions relevant for the different work from home arrangements