The Rapidly Evolving Situation of Employee Work-From-Home Productivity and The Integration of ICT in Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The study objective explored the changing nature of COVID-19′s emergence on work-from-home productivity in South Africa. Studies show that the formerly coveted, highly attractive work-from-home (WFH) did not show to be one of the best solutions for most employees. The study contributes to the adoption and integration of innovative technologies in the area of information communication technologies (ICT), to improve employees' productivity at the workplace as work from home (WFH). However, WFH is still popular, but not in its current form. The study suggested that better government rules and regulations should be in place to properly regulate and make WFH practicable for all employees in South Africa. The study adopted a survey method for data collection through a structured questionnaire that was administered to selected participants. The study also reviews available literature on the topic under investigation while relying on secondary data as sources of information and analyzing them based on content. The study applied the Trust-Based Working Theory. The study finds that the decision to cease in-person meetings and work was made quickly upon the arrival of COVID-19 but without any instructions on how to do so. It was recommended that the guidance on adjusting to distant online work is one area of policy where preparation and execution are very necessary.