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

Abstract

ORIENTATION : The influence of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on employee engagement. RESEARCH PURPOSE : This research was conducted to explore the influence of FWAs on employee engagement in order to gain a richer understanding than what is offered in pre-existing literature, and to provide practical recommendations to practitioners through a proposed framework. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Flexible work arrangements are becoming increasingly popular management practices within the business landscape. Significant research has been conducted to understand the influence of FWAs on various employee engagement constructs; however, these findings still show considerable variations and are highly inconsistent. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD : This study used a qualitative mono method to explore the influence of FWAs on employee engagement. Qualitative, exploratory data allowed the researchers to gain new insights. A total of 23 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Respondents comprised eight subject matter experts and 15 employees from six different organisations, across six different industries. Interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. MAIN FINDINGS : This study found a positive relationship between FWAs and employee engagement. It also revealed that FWAs were positively associated with various employee engagement constructs found in the literature, with the most prominent finding showing positive influence of FWAs on employee well-being. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : This study further developed a proposed framework for the successful implementation of FWAs to improve employee engagement. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : This 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.