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

Abstract

Flexible work arrangements have gained prominence as an innovative human
resource strategy for enhancing employee well-being and organizational productivity. This study
examined the impact of flexible work arrangements, with a specific focus on autonomy and shift
work, on employee performance in UBA branches within Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A descriptive
survey design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 102 respondents drawn
from the target population of 107 banking staff, determined using census approaches. Reliability
of the instrument was confirmed through a pilot study, with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients
exceeding 0.80 for all scales. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and multiple regression
with SPSS version 28. Findings revealed that both autonomy and shift work have a significant and
positive influence on employee performance, with autonomy exerting a stronger effect. These
results align with the Job Characteristics Model and Effort-Recovery Theory, highlighting the
importance of well-structured flexible work practices in sustaining employee motivation and
productivity. The study recommends that bank managers institutionalize policies promoting
autonomy through participative decision-making and ensure fair and balanced shift schedules to
support staff wellbeing and organizational competitiveness. This research provides valuable
insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to optimize workforce performance within
Nigeria’s dynamic banking sector.