THE IMPACT OF REMOTE WORK ON PRODUCTIVITY AND EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION: A CASE STUDY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

This study examines the impact of remote work on employee productivity and job satisfaction in the private sector in the Republic of North Macedonia. In the context of accelerated digital transformation and post
pandemic organizational restructuring, remote work is increasingly becoming a structural component of modern employment models rather than a temporary adjustment (Eurofound, 2020; OECD, 2020).
The research is based on the hypothesis that work flexibility positively influences employee job satisfaction, which in turn contributes to higher levels of perceived productivity. The sample consists of 98 respondents employed in private sector companies in IT, marketing, and administrative services. Data were analyzed in order to examine the relationship between flexibility, job satisfaction, and productivity.
The results indicate a moderate positive correlation between job satisfaction and productivity (r = 0.56), which is consistent with previous empirical findings (Bloom et al., 2015, pp. 165 218; Barrero et al., 2021). This suggests that higher levels of job satisfaction are associated with increased self reported efficiency and work engagement among remote employees.
However, the study also identifies several challenges associated with remote work, such as reduced social interaction and weaker organizational identification (ILO, 2021). These findings indicate that while remote work brings significant benefits, it also requires careful organizational management to maintain a balance between productivity and employee well being.