Abstract:
ORIENTATION: Globally, the repercussions of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
infiltrated many areas within societies. Like all other institutions, higher education institutions
(HEIs) had to migrate to online and blended activities, and work-from-home (WFH) became
characteristic of the ‘new normal’.
RESEARCH PURPOSE: The main purpose of the study was to determine the perspectives on work
engagement and WFH among employees of an HEI in South Africa during the global
COVID-19 pandemic.
MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: There is limited published research reporting on WFH and work
engagement in HEIs.
RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: The study employed a quantitative-based cross-sectional design. The target population of this study included all employees an HEI in South
Africa who worked from home during the COVID-19 lockdown. A web-based survey was
used to collect the data. In total, 399 respondents participated in the research.
MAIN RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that the employees were to a great extent
engaged in their work because of the organisational support received from the institution. It
was also evident that some employees experienced difficulties with establishing a work
routine, a lack of sufficient equipment and resources to function at home, work–home
interference, increased workload and working hours, isolation and work–life balance issues.
PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of the study are important to inform business
decisions regarding the WFH model as an alternative working arrangement to be considered
in HEIs.
CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: This study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding work
engagement and WFH in HEIs in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
