The influence of flexible work arrangements on employee engagement : an explorative study

Abstract

Flexible working arrangements (FWAs) have become increasingly popular management practices within the business landscape. Significant research has been conducted in order to understand the influence of FWAs on various employee engagement constructs, however, these findings still vary considerably and are highly inconsistent. The research was conducted to explore the influence that flexible work arrangements have on employee engagement, to gain a richer understanding than what is offered in pre-existing literature, and to provide practical recommendations to practitioners through a proposed framework. The study used qualitative methods to explore the influence flexible work arrangements have on employee engagement. Qualitative, exploratory data also allowed the researcher to gain new insights. A total of 23 semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Respondents consisted of eight subject matter experts and 15 employees within six different organisations, across six different industries. Interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The study found a positive relationship between FWAs and employee engagement. The study also found that FWAs were positively associated to various employee engagement constructs found in literature, with the most prominent finding showing the positive influence FWAs have on employee well-being. The study further developed a proposed framework for the successful implementation of FWAs to improve employee engagement. The study offers theoretical, methodological and practical implications for employee engagement and human resource development scholars and practitioners motivated to find ways to better manage FWAs and improve employee engagement. The study was limited to large corporations, within six industries operating in the South African context.