FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, A CASE OF FIVE-STAR HOTELS IN KENYA
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study examined the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee engagement in five-star hotels in Kenya.
PROBLEM STATEMENT: Within the last five years, hotels in Kenya have recorded an employee turnover rate of more than 50% suggesting dissatisfaction and disengagement. Consequently, this leads to poor productivity and poor customer interactions within the hotels.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: The study used a descriptive design, stratified proportionate sampling, and positivism as its research philosophy. A sample of 369 employees was obtained using Slovin’s formula. Questionnaires were adopted in collection of primary data. SPSS version 24 aided in regression and correlation analysis.
RESULTS: The study found that flexible work arrangements positively contributed to employee engagement and explained 71.5% of the variance in employee engagement. Further, the findings indicated that organizational support adds value and moderates the relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee engagement.
CONCLUSION: The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee engagement.
RECOMMENDATION: The study recommends that five-star hotels in Kenya should provide necessary tools, resources and technology to promote use of flexible work arrangements.
Keywords; Flexible work arrangements, Remote working, Flextime, Job sharing, Employee engagement.
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