WORK SCHEDULING PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY: MODERATING ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN MANUFACTURING FIRM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/ijibs.v21.203Keywords:
Work scheduling, Employee productivity, Shift scheduling, Flexible work arrangements, Structural Equation ModelAbstract
This study examined the influence of work scheduling practices, including shift scheduling, workload distribution, and flexible work arrangements, on employee productivity in a manufacturing firm, while assessing the role of technology adoption in the relationship. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 347 employees using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the research instrument was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.78, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. The collected data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to determine the relationships among the study variables. The findings revealed that work scheduling practices significantly influence employee productivity, although the strength and direction of the relationships depend on effective implementation and technological support. Shift scheduling demonstrated a significant effect on employee productivity, accounting for 53.4% of the variation in productivity outcomes. Workload distribution emerged as a strong predictor of employee productivity, explaining 69.1% of the observed variations, while flexible work arrangements accounted for 48.7% of productivity changes. Furthermore, technology adoption played a critical role in explaining the relationship between work scheduling practices and employee productivity, with the model demonstrating a combined explanatory power of 78.6%. The study concludes that effective work scheduling practices supported by appropriate technological systems are essential for improving employee productivity and organizational efficiency. The findings emphasize that manufacturing firms should prioritize strategic scheduling approaches, balanced workload allocation, flexible work policies, and the adoption of user-friendly technological solutions to enhance workforce performance and achieve sustainable organizational outcomes.
References
Anderson, K., Thompson, R., & Lee, M. (2023). Global Manufacturing Trends and Employee Well-Being: A Systematic Review. International journal of Industrial Management, 45 (4), 10-16.
Avery, C. & Zabel, D. (2018), The Flexible Workplace: A Sourcebook of Information and Research (Quorum Books.
Barongo, Y.S. (2025). Flexible Work Schedules and Employee Performance among Public Universities in Kenya. Journal of Human Resource and Leadership,10 (4), 43-57.
Beaman, L., BenYishay, A., Magruder, J., & Mobarak, A. M. (2021). Can network theory-based targeting increase technology adoption?. American Economic Review, 111(6), 1918-1943.
Berkowsky, R. W., Sharit, J., & Czaja, S. J. (2017). Factors predicting decisions about technology adoption among older adults. Innovation in aging, 1(3), igy002.
Davidson, M., & Wong, K. (2024). Employee Turnover Patterns in Shift-Based Manufacturing Industries. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 35, (10), 45-67.
Dex, S., & Smith, C. (2002). The nature and pattern of family-friendly employment policies: directions of flexible work arrangements. The Hague, The Confederation: Brussels.
Dunmade, E. O., Aderibigbe, A. S., Asa, K. J., & Obadare, G. O. (2024). Impact of Working Environment on the Employees’ Performance in the Nigerian Manufacturing Industry. Bahria University Journal of Management & Technology, 7(1).
Fu, Y., Kok, R. A., Dankbaar, B., Ligthart, P. E., & van Riel, A. C. (2018). Factors Affecting Sustainable Process Technology Adoption: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 205, 226-251.
Galea, C., Houkes, I., & De Rijk, A. (2013). An Insider's Point of View: How A System of Flexible Working Hours Helps Employees to Strike A Proper Balance Between Work and Personal Life. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25(8), 1090-1111.
Glass, J. L., & Finley, A. (2002). Coverage and Effectiveness of Family-Responsive Workplace Policies. Human Resource Management Review, 12(3), 313-337.
Gomathy, D. C., Aparrajit, R., Vishnu, J., & Rangaprasad, S. V. (2022). The Effects of Stress on Employees ’Productivity in Service Industry. International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM), 6.
Gupta, K & Singh, N. (2024). Greenwashing Perception and Attitude-Intention Relationship Towards Products Purchase: A Mediating Model. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 10 (7), 1-10.
Hamdani, S. A. S. (2024). The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity with Moderating Role of AI Tools: Insights from the Digital Marketing Sector of Pakistan. Graduate Journal of Pakistan Review, 8(2), 115–130.
Hassan, R., & Chen, K. (2024). Shift Work Adaptation in Southeast Asian Manufacturing: A Regional Analysis. Asian Journal of Management, 15 (10), 19-24.
Hill, C., Jones, G., & Schilling, M. (2014). Strategic Management: Theory: An Integrated Approach. Cengage Learning.
Holovchenko, S. (2024). The Impact of Flexible Work Schedules on Employee Productivity in the Modern Business Environment. Economics and Business Management, 15(4), 47-64.
Hossain, M.I. (2023). Capacity Analysis: Considering Factors Affecting Workforce Scheduling and Employee Productivity. World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 9 (08), 42-49.
Idowu, S. A. (2014). Impact of Flexible Working Hours on Employee Performance, Work Life Conflict and Work Pressure. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria. 34.
Idowu, S. A. (2019). Impact of Leadership Styles on Employees' Work Performance in Some South-Western Nigerian Private Universities. Economic Insights – Trends and Challenges, 8(71), 27-46.
Idowu, S.A. (2020). Role of Flexible Working Hours’ Arrangement on Employee Job Performance and Retention in Manufacturing Industries in Agbara, Nigeria. Economic Insights-Trends and Challenges. 9(3), 23-37.
Jerono, C. and Bula, H. (2025). Effect of Compressed Work Schedule on Employee Productivity in County Pension Fund Financial Services. The Strategic Journal of Business and Change Management. 12 (1), 148-156.
Kandie, D., & Chepkilot, R. (2022). Effect Of Work Scheduling on Employee Performance in Private Hospitals in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Journal of business and entrepreneurship, 1(1), 1-7.
Latip, H.A, Tak, A.H, Rahaman, M.M, & Abdul Kohar, U.H (2018). Managing Work-Life-Family Demands towards Job Satisfaction among Family Business Entrepreneurs. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 8(14), 187-199.
Leedy, P., & Ormrod, J. (2001). Practical Research: Planning and Design (7th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
Lin, J.-H., Wong, J.-Y., & Ho, C.-h. (2015). The Role of Work-to-Leisure Conflict in Promoting Frontline Employees’ Leisure Satisfaction: Examining the Job Demand-Control-Support Model. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 27(7), 1539-1555.
Martinez, C., & Collins, K. (2023). Defining Shift Work in the Modern Manufacturing Context: Conceptual Evolution And Operational Implications. International Journal of Operations Management, 41 (08), 56-67.
McMaster, F. (2005). How flexible is your workplace? Workplace flexibility – IBM style. Local Government Manager, 39(3), 12-13.
Meilinda, R., Palupiningtyas, D., & Maryani, T. (2024). The Influence of the work environment and work stress on employee turnover intention at PT always cinta Indonesia salatiga. International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology, 2(2), 75-86.
Mendrofa, I.A., & Palupiningtyas, D. (2025). A Study on the Effects of Shift Work Management on Employee Well-Being in the Manufacturing Sector. Journal of Business Management and Economic Development. 3(2), 498-518.
Mhlanga, D., & Ndhlovu, E. (2023). Digital Technology Adoption in the Agriculture Sector: Challenges and Complexities in Africa. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2023(1), 6951879.
Necula, S. C., Fotache, D., & Rieder, E. (2024). Assessing the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Tools on Employee Productivity: Insights From A Comprehensive Survey Analysis. Electronics, 13(18), 3758.
Nijp, H., Beckers, D., Geurts, S., Tucker, P. & Kompier, M. (2012). Systematic Review on the Association between Employee Worktime Control And Work–Non-Work Balance, Health and Wellbeing, and Job-Related Outcomes. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 38(4), 299-313.
Okechukwu, O. V. (2021). A Study of Stress Management and Employee Productivity in Nigerian Service Organizations. Contemporary Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Science, 1(1), 54-67.
Okolocha, C.B. (2025). Stress Management and Employee Productivity in Selected Manufacturing Firms in Awka Metropolis. Noland Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, 13(1), 14-32.
Olakpa, E.G. & Adebusuyi, A.T. (2025). Does Digital Transformation Impact Staff Productivity? Evidence from Nigeria Manufacturing Sector. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 12(12) 727-737.
Pamidimukkala, A., Kermanshachi, S., Rosenberger, J. M., & Hladik, G. (2023). Evaluation of Barriers to Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Study of Technological, Environmental, Financial, and Infrastructure Factors. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 22, 100962.
Ramirez, J., Thompson, K., & Lee, S. (2022). Evolution of Shift Work Models in Global Manufacturing: A Comparative Analysis. Production Operations Management, 31 (11), 67-78.
Rastogi, M., Rangnekar, S. & Rastogi, R. (2015). Flexibility as a Predictor of Work–Family Enrichment. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 17(1), 5-14.
Reddy, G.S. (2025). Exploring the Link between Work Schedules and Employee Productivity. International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering Management and Science. 5(7): 2191-2195.
Rodriguez, R., Kumar, S., & Taylor, H. (2023). Mental Health Risk Factors in Shift Workers: A Longitudinal Assessment. Journal of Mental Health, 32 (3), 1-10.
Shaikh, F., Afshan, G., Anwar, R. S., Abbas, Z., & Chana, K. A. (2023). Analyzing The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employee Productivity: The Mediating Effect of Knowledge Sharing and Well‐Being. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 61(4), 794-820.
Shittu, W. O., Hassan, S., & Nawaz, M. A. (2018). The Nexus between External Debt, Corruption and Economic Growth: Evidence from Five SSA Countries. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, 9(3), 319-334.
Sravani, A. (2018). Managing the Distribution of Employee Workload of the Hospital Staff. Journal of Business Management, 4 (1), 40-50.
Srimarut, T. & Mekhum, W. (2020). The influence of workload and co-worker attitude on job satisfaction among employees of pharmaceutical industry in Bangkok, Thailand: The mediating role of Training. A multifaceted review journal in the field of pharmacy, 11(2), 603-611.
Takahashi, K., Muraoka, R., & Otsuka, K. (2020). Technology Adoption, Impact, and Extension in Developing Countries’ Agriculture: A Review of the Recent Literature. Agricultural Economics, 51(1), 31-45.
Usman, M., & Yusoff, W. Z. W. (2026). Digital Technology Adoption and Employee Productivity in Real Estate Firms: Mediating and Moderating Effects of Technological Drivers, Barriers, and Operational Knowledge in North-Central Nigeria. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 17(1), 92–105.
Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F.D. (2000). Atheoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies. Management Science, 46(2),186-204.
Wheatley, D. (2016). Employee Satisfaction and Use of Flexible Working Arrangements. Work, Employment and Society. [online] available from [10 January 2020].
Widagdo, S., Qibtiyah, M., Rahayu, E., Yuliamir, H., & Palupiningtyas, D. (2022). Hotel Employee Performance Review: The Effect of Job Satisfaction, Competence and Motivation. Brilliant International Journal of Management and Tourism, 2(2), 111-126.
Wilson, J., Thompson, R., & Rodriguez, E., (2024). Systemic Approaches to Shift Work Management: Operational Efficiency and Human Sustainability. Human Factors, 66.
Wolman, J., & Kruger, S. (2004). Research Methodology for the Business and Administrative Sciences. Pretoria. Oxford University Press Southern Africa.
Zhou, Z.E., Meier, L.L. & Spector, P.E. (2019). The Spillover Effects of Coworker, Supervisor and Outsider Workplace Incivility on Work-to-Family Conflict: A Weekly Diary Design. Journal of Organizational Behaviour, 40 (9-10), 1000-1012.
