FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE OF UBA BRANCHES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Flexible work arrangements have gained prominence as an innovative humanresource strategy for enhancing employee well-being and organizational productivity. This studyexamined the impact of flexible work arrangements, with a specific focus on autonomy and shiftwork, on employee performance in UBA branches within Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A descriptivesurvey design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 102 respondents drawnfrom the target population of 107 banking staff, determined using census approaches. Reliabilityof the instrument was confirmed through a pilot study, with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficientsexceeding 0.80 for all scales. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and multiple regressionwith SPSS version 28. Findings revealed that both autonomy and shift work have a significant andpositive influence on employee performance, with autonomy exerting a stronger effect. Theseresults align with the Job Characteristics Model and Effort-Recovery Theory, highlighting theimportance of well-structured flexible work practices in sustaining employee motivation andproductivity. The study recommends that bank managers institutionalize policies promotingautonomy through participative decision-making and ensure fair and balanced shift schedules tosupport staff wellbeing and organizational competitiveness. This research provides valuableinsights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to optimize workforce performance withinNigeria’s dynamic banking sector.