Assessing the Effects of Remote Working on Employee Performance Post Covid -19 Pandemic: A Case of ABSA Bank Zambia Head Office (ABSA House)

Abstract

This study explored the effects of remote working on employee performance at Absa Bank Zambia Head Office in the post-COVID-19 era, a period marked by significant shifts in workplace dynamics globally and in Zambia. The research aimed to assess the impact of remote working on employee performance and satisfaction, identifying the key factors that determine its success. Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach with an explanatory sequential design, the study first collected and analyzed quantitative data through surveys and then gathered qualitative insights through interviews with 168 employees. The findings revealed that remote work has the potential to significantly improve employee performance and satisfaction, but its success is contingent on several critical factors, including the availability of reliable technological infrastructure, clear work-life boundaries, effective communication and collaboration practices, and organizational support through structured routines. Statistically, the data showed a positive correlation between these factors and higher employee performance outcomes, with remote work satisfaction being highest among employees who had access to adequate technology and clear guidelines. The study also highlighted some limitations, including a limited sample size and the geographical focus on Absa Bank Zambia, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. The recommendations for optimizing remote work practices at Absa Bank Zambia emphasize improving technological infrastructure, fostering work-life integration, enhancing communication channels, providing continuous support and training, and employing performance monitoring to align employee goals with organizational objectives. These findings have broader implications for other organizations, especially in the Zambian and broader African context, where remote working is becoming increasingly prevalent. The study contributes valuable insights into remote work practices within the African banking sector, offering guidance for other organizations seeking to improve employee performance and satisfaction in a post-pandemic world.