Factors influencing productivity in working from home in a selected multinational firm

Working from home is no exception from having its own sets of challenges and setbacks. The work environment of an employee who works from home plays a critical role in their work productivity. The main objective of this research is to examine factors affecting productivity when working from home among employees in a selected pharmaceutical multinational corporation in Kuala Lumpur. The research method selected for this study is quantitative in which non-experimental correlational research design is applied to identify the relationships between home responsibilities, work itself, work space and facilities, family support and technology with work productivity when working from home. The total population in this selected Multinational Firm is 1600 employees, however, only 403 respondents are selected as sample size. Data for study was collected through questionnaire surveys distributed to respondents via Google forms. Out of 403 questionnaires distributed, only 119 valid and usable responses were received and analysed. The validity and reliability of the instrument was validated in terms of its Cronbach alpha consistency measure, normality testing as well as content and construct validity. Data collected were analysed using SPSS software version 25.0 in which univariate descriptive analysis, bivariate Pearson Correlation Analysis and multivariate Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were performed to obtain the results and to answer the research objectives. Throughout the study, ethical research conduct is being adhered to. The findings of this study showed that employees in the selected Multinational Firm agreed that the level of work productivity is high when they work from home. This is because, the nature and amount of work when working from home is good and adequate. The employees reported that their work space and facilities are appropriate and available. In addition, they reported that having family support and understanding whilst working from home is crucial. And finally, they have good technology system and support when working from home. In addition, this study found that employees’ nature of work, work space and facilities, family support and technology all has a significant positive relationship with work productivity. And among all these factors, it is found that the nature of work itself and the amount of workload given to employees to complete when working from home contributes the most to work productivity. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by expanding the literature on working from home among employees in a selected multinational pharmaceutical firm in Malaysia. Managers in the Multinational Firm can identify the critical nature of work itself and level of employees’ workload and the strong relationship with work productivity and provide better work from home practices and policies. Further studies using mix research method for all pharmaceutical firms in Malaysia is recommended.