The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Engagement and Productivity in the Post-Pandemic Era: A Human Resource Management Perspective

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations to rapidly adopt remote work practices as a means of ensuring business continuity and employee safety. This shift towards remote work has not only transformed the traditional work environment but has also raised important questions regarding its impact on employee engagement and productivity. This thesis explores the implications of remote work on employee engagement and productivity from a Human Resource Management (HRM) perspective in the post-pandemic era. The introductory chapter provides an overview of the study, discussing the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review chapter critically evaluates existing research on remote work, employee engagement, productivity, and the relationship between these factors. Ten key themes emerged from the literature review, highlighting the complexities and challenges associated with remote work practices. The research methodology chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures employed in this study. The mixed-methods approach utilized in this research involved surveys, interviews, and content analysis to gather insights from employees and HR professionals regarding their experiences with remote work. Chapter four presents a detailed discussion of the research findings, analyzing the impact of remote work on employee engagement and productivity. The results indicate that while remote work offers flexibility and autonomy to employees, it also presents challenges related to communication, collaboration, and work-life balance. The role of HRM practices in supporting remote employees and enhancing their engagement and productivity is also explored in this chapter. Finally, the conclusion chapter summarizes the key findings of the study, highlighting the implications for HRM practices and organizations in managing remote work arrangements effectively. Recommendations are provided for HR professionals to promote employee engagement and productivity in the post-pandemic era of remote work. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on remote work and its impact on employee engagement and productivity, offering valuable insights for both academia and practice in the field of Human Resource Management.