Flexible work options in higher educational institutions in times of crisis

Abstract

Orientation: The association between academic staff position and attitudes towards specific flexible work options in times of crisis.Research purpose: This study examined employees’ perceptions towards flexible work options in times of crisis in institutions of higher learning operating in Namibia.Motivation for the study: Despite the wide-ranging studies that have examined attitudes towards flexible work options in many organisations, little is known about attitudes towards flexible work options in higher education institutions in times of crisis.Research approach/design and method: This study adopted a cross-sectional survey following a quantitative approach, using a structured questionnaire to gather information from the participants. The target population (956) of this study comprised academics and administrative staff working in the participating institutions. Data were analysed from a sample of 465 respondents using the Chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test to test the research hypotheses.Main findings: Results show that academic staff position is positively associated with attitudes towards specific flexible work options in times of crisis. Findings further indicate a significant association between gender and attitudes towards ‘early start-normal go, then Friday afternoon off’.Practical/managerial implications: Insights from the research findings could be used to improve the implementation of flexible work options in the post-pandemic period.Contribution/value-add: The study offers a perspective on the attitudes towards flexible work options in higher education institutions during a pandemic.

The relationship among idiosyncratic deals, psychological empowerment, and internal locus of control: A moderated mediation model

“…By doing this, they can avoid role conflicts, improve their work–life balance, and increase their work efficiency, work role performance, and innovative performance ( Las Heras et al, 2017 ; Hornung et al, 2018 ; Kimwolo and Cheruiyot, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2019 ; Huang and Chen, 2021 ), as well as WE. Furthermore, this result has more practical implications for academics in the HEIs, especially after the post-pandemic era ( Atiku et al, 2021 ). From the lens of JD-R theory, TWR I-deals and FLX I-deals allow academics to increase their job resources (e.g., developmental, autonomy, and flexibility at work).…”

“…The finding confirmed the FLX I-deals–WE relationship, which substantiates the second hypothesis (H1b) of this study. This result illustrates that FLX I-deals allow academics to arrange work schedules, accommodate off-the-job demands on their assigned duties, flexible work times, and complete work outside the main office by applying videoconferencing, internet, and collaborative tools (NWW; Rosen et al, 2013 ; Demerouti et al, 2014 ; Atiku et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Academics could carry out their work tasks and teach through online teaching platforms. Especially, the post-pandemic creates much more significance in using FLX I-deals in the HEIs ( Atiku et al, 2021 ). These I-deals allow academics to achieve a better work–life balance and perform better in their work domain.…”

“…Similarly, given the association of work–life balance with academics’ well-being in higher education as reflected in various studies (e.g., Franco et al, 2021 ) and their emerging desire for work–life balance, FLX I-deals are extremely important in HEIs. In addition, FLX I-deals allow academics to work and teach from home using online platforms such as videoconferencing, the internet, and collaborative tools ( Blok et al, 2011 ; Atiku et al, 2021 ). Thus, FLX I-deals may help academics perform better in their work–family domain.…”

A FlexiWork App – An Innovative Way to Measure and Monitor Productivity while WFH for Academicians

“…Flexible work options such as WLB strategies enable organisations to retain and attract a high-performing workforce (Atiku, 2021). In addition, new technological innovations such as mobile communication, the use of terminals to create dial-up connections, and the internet of things have made FWA successful (Belzunegui-Eraso, & Erro-Garcés, 2020).…”