Title: Remote Work and Employee Productivity in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State
Authors: Professor Edwinah Amah
Amaka MaryAnn Okoji
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 344-360
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
The relationship between remote work and employee productivity in tertiary institutions in the geographical region of Rivers State was studied. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing presence of remote work as a key staunch employment option, operational practices in tertiary institutions around the world have been changing. In Nigeria especially in Rivers State, tertiary institutions embraced the return to the work from home regime to continue with learning and administrative activities. This paper critically analyzes the implications of remote work on the productivity of the employees of these institutions. This research is based on TAM and JDR models and will list the most important enabling factors and hindering factors for effective telework. Data of both academic and non-academic teaching and non-teaching staff of selected institutions in Rivers State were analysed using a mixed-methods approach. Initial insights indicate that job satisfaction and effective time usage are positively linked with flexibility in working from home, perceived work-life balance and individual productivity when working from home. Moreover, the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent results are also moderated by organizational support, enhancing the good result of the independent variables on the dependent variables. It recommends that to ensure high out, in and at work performance and engagement of tertiary staff, it is not only necessary to take into account the individual capabilities and situation of the staff member but equally important, the systemic support the tertiary institution is giving to them. Thus, it was recommended for policymakers and administrators to adopt ICT infrastructure, flexible work policies, and leadership responsiveness in enhancing employees' remote work experiences.