The hybrid working model and productivity: Perspectives of South African Knowledge workers

Abstract

This study explored the experiences and perceptions of the Hybrid Working Model (HWM) and its effect on productivity for South African knowledge workers. Through the experiences of twelve knowledge workers from different industries, including some who manage teams, the research explored the positive and negative aspects of the HWM and how the research participants navigated these, as well as their effect on productivity. The flexibility of the model was found to improve work-life integration and autonomy, but these did not motivate the participants in terms of productivity, as the literature suggests. This research proposes that, by planning and self-management within the flexibility of the model, the South African knowledge worker has been able to improve their work-life integration under the HWM, whilst maintaining their productivity in line with deadlines and expectations as a result of their level of commitment, which was facilitated by the sense of responsibility and ownership of work fostered by the model.