Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Satisfaction, Challenges, and Productivity of Employees

Abstract

PurposeThis study has investigated how professionals are collaborating online working from home (WFH) during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Various aspects of this shift in working culture have been examined like employee satisfaction levels, challenges related to telecommuting and perceived productivity of working remotely during the COVID-19 outbreak situation. Design/methodology/approachThis study has employed an exploratory research design. The study has obtained secondary data from various articles published in journals and conference proceedings, books, news media, website etc. and primary data via an online survey using a set of a semi-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling technique has been used to choose a sample of professionals working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic (n=100). Both sample selection and survey administration have been done through social media messaging services owing to strict lockdown measures. FindingsAll in all, the results have shown that most of the participants are fairly satisfied with working from home (WFH) during the COVID19 pandemic. Work flexibility is the main factor contributing to this satisfaction. Moreover, the majority of the respondents have cited internet connectivity and maintaining the regular schedule as the biggest challenges of telecommuting. Finally, most of the participants have felt that they have been getting more work done at home as compared to onsite locations. Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies to focus on working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings have vital implications for working professionals, organisations and HR policymakers.