Botha, DoretVan Dijk, Hilligje GerritdinaMarais, A.2024-07-152024-07-152023-04-14Botha, D., Van Dijk, G., & Marais, A. (2023). The COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives on work engagement and work-fromhome in a higher education institution. SA Journal of Human Resource Management/SA Tydskrif vir Menslikehulpbronbestuur, 21(0), a2131. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v21i0.2131.2071-078X (online)1683-7584 (print)10.4102/sajhrm.v21i0.2131http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97018ORIENTATION: 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.en© 2023. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.COVID-19 pandemicEmployee engagementWork engagementCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)South Africa (SA)SDG-03: Good health and well-beingSDG-08: Decent work and economic growthWork-from-home (WFH)Higher education institution (HEI)Article