The Relationship Between Flexible Work Arrangements and Employee Performance in a Selected Zimbabwean University: The Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support.

Many higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe have implemented Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) following the health crisis ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic. The efficacy of implementing this strategy hinges on the level of support provided by the organization towards these activities. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of perceived organizational support on the relationship between FWAs and employee performance in the academic workplace. The study utilized the quantitative research approach and employed a correlational research methodology. Using stratified sampling the population was divided into two strata: administration staff and academic staff. A sample size of 250 respondents was selected from the two strata using simple random sampling to collect data using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 30.0, inferential statistics and Andrew Hayes Process was used to test the mediation. Findings of the study indicated that perceived organizational support mediates the relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee performance. Universities are recommended to provide support systems to employees on flexible work arrangements to attain competitive advantage.