Title: Examining work from home practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore: predictors of motivation and productivity

Authors: Kavitha Kumara Parumal; Amy Wong

Addresses: School of Business, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 436 Clementi Road, 599494, Singapore ' School of Business, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 436 Clementi Road, 599494, Singapore

Abstract: The importance of employee productivity was further heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic period, as organisations started implementing a default work from home policy in view of several governments' mandatory guidelines for safe distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. To attain business success, it is crucial for employees to stay motivated in their job as they work remotely. This study examines employee perceptions of job autonomy, training opportunities, transformational leadership, job flexibility, and their effects on intrinsic motivation and employee productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected from 134 working adults via an online survey. The findings show that the best predictor of both intrinsic motivation and employee productivity is job autonomy. The findings provide valuable insights for the effective management of human capital during the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery periods.

Keywords: job autonomy; training opportunities; transformational leadership; job flexibility; intrinsic motivation; job productivity; work from home; COVID-19 pandemic; Singapore.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2023.131741

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2023 Vol.22 No.3, pp.237 - 260

Received: 30 Nov 2021
Accepted: 21 Jun 2022
Published online: 30 Jun 2023 *

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