INFLUENCE OF FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, KENYA
Keywords:
Flexible Work Practices, Employee Performance, Telecommuting , Remote Working, Hybrid Work ArrangementsAbstract
Over the years, there has been a growing concern for public sector performance improvement around the world. Kenya has implemented several productivity improvement interventions in the past, but the country’s level of productivity remains dismally low. The increasingly complex issues and rising demands for quality public service that the government confronts on a daily basis require a new approach to managing human resources. The public sector, therefore, needs to consider ways to change the way it operates so that it can be more consistently oriented to productivity goals. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of flexible work practices on employee performance in the Public Service Commission in Kenya. The research objectives were to investigate the extent to which telecommuting (remote working) and hybrid work arrangements influence employee performance in the Public Service Commission of Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 223 employees consisting of the top, middle, lower and non-management employees who were randomly selected. The study used a sample of 143 subjects. Since the target population is heterogeneous, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed during sample selection. Data collection was by means of a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Quantitative responses based on Likert scale were coded on the computer using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study also employed inferential statistics (correlations and regression) to determine whether the relationship between flexible work and career employee performance is significant or not. Processed data was then presented using simple frequencies and percentages and summarized in Tables. The researcher also observed ethical and legal issues in research. The study results were presented through use of tables and figures. The study concludes that hybrid work has a significant effect on employee performance in the Public Service Commission in Kenya. The study also concludes that remote working has a significant effect on employee performance in the Public Service Commission in Kenya. Public Service Commission in Kenya should develop clear and comprehensive policies for hybrid work arrangements that outline expectations, guidelines, and procedures for both managers and employees. Public Service Commission in Kenya should also foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration among remote teams by providing opportunities for virtual team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects
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