Flexible work arrangements and employee engagement: A case of five-star hotels in Kenya

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study examined the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee engagement in five-star hotels in Kenya. PROBLEM STATEMENT: Within the last five years, hotels in Kenya have recorded an employee turnover rate of more than 50% suggesting dissatisfaction and disengagement. Consequently, this leads to poor productivity and poor customer interactions within the hotels. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: The study used a descriptive design, stratified proportionate sampling, and positivism as its research philosophy. A sample of 369 employees was obtained using Slovin’s formula. Questionnaires were adopted in collection of primary data. SPSS version 24 aided in regression and correlation analysis. RESULTS: The study found that flexible work arrangements positively contributed to employee engagement and explained 71.5% of the variance in employee engagement. Further, the findings indicated that organizational support adds value and moderates the relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee engagement. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee engagement. RECOMMENDATION: The study recommends that five-star hotels in Kenya should provide necessary tools, resources and technology to promote use of flexible work arrangements.