IMPACT OF HYBRID WORKPLACE MODEL (TELEWORK AND FLEXIBLE WORK) ON THE JOB PERFORMANCE: WORK ENGAGEMENT AS MEDIATING ROLE, WITH A SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SELECTED IT COMPANIES IN COLOMBO DISTRICT

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of hybrid workplace model (telework and flexible work) on job performance, with work engagement as a mediating role, among IT companies in Colombo District of Sri Lanka. A quantitative approachwas employed, and data were collected from 260IT employees using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, conelation analysis, regression, and mediation analysis. The finding related to objective one, univariate analysis revealed that telework, flexible work, work engagement, and job performance wele perceived at a very high level among employees, reflecting positive experiences with hybrid work practices. Objective two, correlation analysis indicated positive associations among the variables. Telework showed a moderate positive relatisoshrp with work engagement and a strong positive relationship with job performance. Flexible work exhibited strong positive relationships with both work engagement and job performance, while work engagement was significant strong positive associated with job perfor-mance. "ti., Further, objective three, mediation analysis confirmed that work engagement partially mediates the relationship between both telework and job performance, and flexible work and job performance. Although telework and flexible work directly enhance job performance, their effects are strengthened when employees demonstrate higher work engagement. These findings suggest that hybrid workplace models can be effectively leveraged to enhance job performance by fostering greater employee engagement. The study offers practical implications for IT companies seeking to optimize their workforce strategies in hybrid environments and contributes to the growing body of research on flexible work practices in emerging economies. Key Wordsz Hybrid WorlElace Model, Telework, Flexible work, lV'ork engagement, Job performance.