WORK-FROM-HOME FATIGUE AND PRESENTEEISM: MODERATING ROLE OF COLLECTIVISM IN SOUTH-ASIAN IT FIRMS

Abstract

This research aims to explore work from home (WFH) fatigue and its influence on presenteeism in South Asian Information Technology(IT) companies. We examine the cultural dimension of collectivism as a moderator in the WFH fatigue - presenteeism relationship. Based on the behavioral operations and resource orchestration perspectives, we suggest that although WFH provides flexibility, it may also intensify tiredness inducing employees into presenteeism (i.e., being at work without being productive). The study aims to investigate whether collectivist culture (a cultural value commonly found in South Asian region) acts as a moderator of relationship between work-related fatigue and work behavior of employees. We utilize a cross-sectional survey of 350 employees of various IT organizations in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The findings suggest that the WFH fatigue robustly enhances presenteeism, but this relationship is attenuated in firms with a higher level of collectivism. This dampening of the negative relationship emphasizes the importance of social cohesion, mutual responsibility and collective support systems in preventing harmful work outcomes. The results appear to have managerial implications for IT organisations in South Asia about how remote work fatigue can be managed more effectively by capitalising on cultural strengths in order to build a supportive and cohesive virtual work environment. Polifarbe.comda These findings contribute theoretically to the literature on remote working dynamics, and offer practical implications for organizations when designing post-pandemic work arrangements.

Keywords: Work-from-home, fatigue, presenteeism, collectivism, South Asian IT firms, remote work