Flexible work options in higher educational institutions in times of crisis

Abstract

Orientation: The association between academic staff position and attitudes towards specific flexible work options in times of crisis.Research purpose: This study examined employees’ perceptions towards flexible work options in times of crisis in institutions of higher learning operating in Namibia.Motivation for the study: Despite the wide-ranging studies that have examined attitudes towards flexible work options in many organisations, little is known about attitudes towards flexible work options in higher education institutions in times of crisis.Research approach/design and method: This study adopted a cross-sectional survey following a quantitative approach, using a structured questionnaire to gather information from the participants. The target population (956) of this study comprised academics and administrative staff working in the participating institutions. Data were analysed from a sample of 465 respondents using the Chi-square test of independence and the Mann–Whitney U test to test the research hypotheses.Main findings: Results show that academic staff position is positively associated with attitudes towards specific flexible work options in times of crisis. Findings further indicate a significant association between gender and attitudes towards ‘early start-normal go, then Friday afternoon off’.Practical/managerial implications: Insights from the research findings could be used to improve the implementation of flexible work options in the post-pandemic period.Contribution/value-add: The study offers a perspective on the attitudes towards flexible work options in higher education institutions during a pandemic.