Flexible Work Arrangement in Manufacturing during the Covid19 Pandemic: An Evidence-Based Study of Indonesian Employees

Abstract

This study aims to look at the flexible work arrangements in manufacturing in the
Covid-19 pandemic conditions, starting from knowing the response regarding the flexible
work arrangements conducted by PT INKA (National Railroad Industry Co. Ltd.), the
FWA factor undertook, the output obtained from the FWA, and the dynamics of the FWA
that can increase productivity in manufacturing companies. The response regarding FWA
was from open-ended questionnaires. The data was analyzed by looking at the keywords
in each response. From 1460 respondents, these were into several categories, namely the
response, factors, and outputs produced. The time of WFH is still from 07.30 WIB until
17.00 WIB. The flexible work arrangement done is flexplace without flextime,
telecommuting. WFH conducted by PT INKA was carried out for 14 days from 18 March
2020 to 31 March 2020. These 14 days is to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The results of
the study revealed: (1) Response regarding FWA, namely feeling comfortable, calm, and
feeling more flexible. (2) Factors influence the effectiveness of FWA in this study,
personal and organizational. Personal factors that influence are hard competency, soft
competency, facilities, and workplace environments owned by employees. Adaptability
(soft competency) in the implementation of this FWA system will accelerate the process of
completion of the work. (3) The output generated from FWA, namely Work-life balance,
Psychological well-being, work motivation, and work effectiveness. According to several
studies, FWA can improve work-life balance for employees. The grand findings of this
study, if FWA wants to be applied in more priority to engineering and supporting work.