New Ways of Working and Employee In-Role Performance in Swiss Public Administration

Abstract

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, public organizations are tempted to introduce to practices that allow employees to work independently of time and space. However, little is known about the impact of such practices on employees’ outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between New Ways of Working (NWW) and in-role performance, while also considering the role that outcome-oriented culture plays in this relationship. Hierarchical regression models are used to analyze a sample of 1204 public employees at the cantonal level in Switzerland. Our findings support the hypothesized positive relationships between two NWW practices (flexibility in time and location and access to organizational knowledge). However, the moderating role of an outcome-oriented culture is only partially supported. Our study emphasizes the significance of having an organizational culture that is aligned with practices such as NWW to improve job performance.