Chasing productivity demands, worker well-being, and firm performance

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of chasing productivity demands on worker well-being and firm performance in manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Flexible work arrangements and human resources support are used as moderators to mitigate the adverse impacts associated with chasing productivity demands. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 213 workers from manufacturing firms through a survey questionnaire utilizing structural equation modeling. Findings The findings of the study show that flexible work arrangements play a significant role in moderating the relationship between chasing productivity demands and well-being, and between chasing productivity demands and firm performance. The study also shows that flexible work arrangements are important to buffer the adverse effects of chasing productivity demands on worker well-being. In addition, flexible work arrangements strengthen the positive effect of worker well-being on firm performance. Research limitations/implications This study highlights the importance of flexible work arrangements in overcoming the negative impact of the relationship between chasing productivity demands and worker well-being and strengthening the positive impact of the relationship between worker well-being and firm performance. Originality/value This study has extended the variable of chasing productivity demands in the existing literature on the job demands–job control model, specifically in manufacturing firms.