The Effect of Staff Morale During Telecommuting in a Western Cape Province Public Health Institution

This research was conducted in a public health Supply Chain Management unit in the Western Cape to measure the influence of telecommuting on staff morale and general well-being. This research sought to explore whether telecommuting had an influence on morale, assess whether staff thought they could remain productive when working remotely, and consequently predict whether telecommuting is considered a viable working method post-pandemic. The authors employed a hypothetico-deductive approach, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods to attain the study objectives. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to select interview and survey participants. Telecommuting had a positive influence on wellbeing and morale. Staff experienced an adapting phase but generally thought telecommuting increased their productivity. Working remotely in a hybrid model was deemed feasible. It would add value to public health sector operations if telecommuting and its efficiencies are regarded as a viable working methodology. For telecommuting to be successful, the Department should adopt holistic telecommuting policies. The authors extended the four factors of teleworking framework by Baruch and Nicholson to include external factors as an additional factor. Keywords: Telecommuting, Supply Chain Management, Covid-19, Public health, Isolation, Work from home, Wellbeing and morale.