Investigating employee productivity during the post-pandemic in the IT sector in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study looks into the factors that influence employee productivity in Sri Lanka's post-pandemic information technology (IT) sector, focusing on the roles of technological tools, management support, communication frequency, and training. The main objective is to examine the relationship between important independent variables (IVs) and employee productivity, the dependent variable (DV), as well as the mediation function of employee engagement. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the global workforce has undergone a paradigm shift toward remote work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and optimizing factors impacting employee productivity in such settings. Using a quantitative research approach, data were obtained via a structured survey distributed to IT experts from various firms in Sri Lanka. The independent variables (IVs) under consideration include the availability and use of technical tools, the quality of management support provided to employees, the frequency and efficacy of communication channels, and the supply of training programs. Employee productivity is the dependent variable (DV) of interest, with employee engagement serving as a mediator between the IVs and DV. Preliminary data show that technology tools, managerial support, communication frequency, and training all have a considerable positive impact on employee productivity. Furthermore, employee engagement emerges as a significant mediator, implying that it plays an important role in transforming organizational inputs into tangible productivity benefits. These findings provide important insights for IT organizations looking to improve employee performance and create a positive work environment in the post-pandemic period. This study contributes to our understanding of the drivers of employee productivity in Sri Lanka's post-pandemic IT sector, emphasizing the importance of technological infrastructure, supportive managerial practices, effective communication strategies, and ongoing employee development initiatives. By addressing these elements, firms may foster a culture of engagement and resilience, maximizing productivity in the face of changing work dynamics.