Flexible Work Programs and Employee Performance in Public Hospitals in Kenya
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Abstract
This study examined the influence of flexible work programs on employee performance in public hospitals in Kenya. The research focused specifically on the relationship between flexible working options (flextime, telework, and job sharing) and employee performance. The study employed a descriptive research design, targeting a population of 928 employees at two Level 5 hospitals in Nairobi County - Mbagathi Hospital and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. Using Stattrek's algorithm, a sample size of 280 employees was determined, with 170 respondents completing the questionnaires, representing a 61% response rate. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that flexible working options had a positive and statistically significant relationship with employee performance (r=0.557, p=0.000). The regression analysis showed that flexible working options explained 52.8% of the variation in employee performance (R²=0.528). The study found that 66.5% of respondents believed their hospitals provided flexible work arrangements, while 74.1% agreed that task delegation supported employee absence management. The research concluded that flexible working options significantly influenced employee performance in public hospitals. Implementation of flexible work arrangements led to improved job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced service delivery. The study recommended that public hospitals should develop comprehensive flexible working policies, including remote work options, flexible scheduling, and effective staff coverage systems. Additionally, it suggested that health sector policymakers should formulate guidelines to support work-life balance initiatives in public hospitals.
Keywords: Flexible Work Programs, Employee Performance, Public Hospitals
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References
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