Motivating Remote Employees in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Multi-Generational Employees in the Netherlands and Germany

Authors

  • Jessica Peters
  • Shohreh Parham

Keywords:

employees’ motivation, phenomenological study, hybrid working systems, remote work, virtual working environment

Abstract

Technological advancements and sophisticated information and technological systems are being increasingly used by organizations which affect our daily lives to a large extent. COVID-19 pandemic has fast-forwarded the transition towards a virtual workforce and remote working. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are not an exemption and still after the world has come to put an end on the pandemic there are still uncertainties about the extent to which educational systems will use online or hybrid working systems and how this phenomenon can affect motivation of academics. The study uses a phenomenological approach, and it is comparative in nature where the motivation and experience of university faculty members and researchers from different generations is compared in Germany and the Netherlands. A total number of 23 interviews were conducted with academics in the mentioned countries. Findings reveal that there are some similarities and differences amongst different generations regarding the impact of remote working on employee’s motivation. This study provides crucial information for policymakers in the higher education sector to rethink and reformulate HR policies in a manner that can enhance employees’ motivation when working remotely, considering the needs and expectations of different generations.

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Published

2022-10-28

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 4 (2022)

Section

Articles

License

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