Abstract

The research aims to assess factors that may influence the productivity of business managers in the I.T. industry working at home while the COVID-19 outbreak is ongoing. The Epidemic of COVID 19 has imposed several changes in the business industries, and changing the employees’ work patterns can be considered one of the significant changes. Due to the lockdown and social distancing protocol, many employees of every business sector were stipulated to work from home. For this research, qualitative primary research and interview have been conducted. It has been found that the productivity of managers in the I.T. sectors has been adversely affected due to Working from Home. A range of critical factors is affecting managers’ productivity in the I.T. sector. Many managers oppose the concept of working from home.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1:1 Chapter overview

The World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) refers to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a contagious illness (WHO, 2020). The WHO declared the COVID-19 virus to be a pandemic on March 11, 2020. WHO, 2020). As of May 5, 2021, thirteen million nine hundred fifty-four thousand four hundred ninety-one confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been reported globally. World Health Organization (WHO), 2021). Others assert that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered society and will continue to do so. The business and industrial closures required to stop the global spread of the Corona virus have presented several challenges for employers and employees. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, businesses and organisations have established numerous working practices worldwide. According to Blumberg & Pringle (1982), some businesses and organizations have mandated that their employees work from home due to corporate policy requirements or the declaration of a national emergency. Other employees have also been allowed to work remotely (WFH), in an office, or through hybrid working (H.W.). Depending on various factors, each of these three occupations has advantages and disadvantages for employees.

Passage et al. study . ‘s list a couple of benefits of telecommuting, including the capacity to pick your timetable, the ability to wear more agreeable work clothing, and the shortfall of a drive to the workplace. Additionally mentioned as disadvantages of working in an office are these elements. Further impediments of telecommuting incorporate missed social associations, an absence of balance between serious and fun activities, and a more terrible work space at home, as per Portage et al. The advantages of working in an office include these aspects. Since there is no standard hybrid arrangement and each has its unique dynamics, it is impossible to list the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid working arrangements (Blumberg & Pringle, 1982).

Information technology (IT) departments and business teams rely on project managers to ensure that IT projects are completed on time and within budget. Establishing communication with the team, organization, and stakeholders, keeping the project on track, spotting dangers, assigning tasks to project participants and monitoring their performance, managing money and other resources, and delivering deliverables on time are among their responsibilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered how we live and work, forcing many businesses to adapt to remote work arrangements in order to maintain company continuity. While some businesses have succeeded, others have struggled to maintain output throughout this time. Managers in the information technology industry are among those confronting the particular challenges of managing remote teams. (Kaur et al., 2021) The purpose of this study is to investigate the variables that have the potential to influence the effectiveness of IT business managers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sector employees worked remotely. The objectives of this study are to gain a deeper comprehension of the challenges that these managers face, the factors that have the potential to improve or hinder their productivity, and the strategies that they employ when managing their teams remotely. The study aims to shed light on how businesses can assist managers more effectively during these trying times and maintain productivity while adjusting to new working practices by addressing this research issue.

1:2 Research background

When COVID-19 first emerged, a number of businesses and organizations were already using WFH, allowing its employees independence. WFH is not unusual in any way. O’Hara (2014) says that technology that reduces travel time and increases output makes working remotely possible. Flexibility, independence, and the ease of working from home are among the WFHoffer benefits offered to i