Factors Influencing the use of Flexible Work Practices Among Plastic Manufacturing Firms In Nairobi

Abstract

Flexible work practices refer to non-traditional work arrangements that allow staff to remain productive and still meet employers' work needs. The objectives of the study were to establish the flexible work practices used by plastic manufacturing firms, and to determine the factors that influence the use of flexible work practices by plastic manufacturing firms in Nairobi. A census study was undertaken of all plastic manufacturing firms based in Nairobi. Data was collected using semi - structured questionnaire targeting Human Resource Managers in the plastic manufacturing firms. Out of the 94 targeted firms, only 50 responded representing a response rate of 53 per cent. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean scores and standard deviations.

The study established that all firms in the plastic industry embrace flexible work practices and that thirty per cent of the companies majored in the production of plastic packaging bags while twenty per cent of the firms consider plastic household wares their core business. It was established that flexible work arrangements are used to a large extent in low skilled occupations compared to the small extent to which they were applicable in technical occupations. It was revealed that reduced number of permanent workers and limited access to workplace training were to a large extent the driving force towards adoption of flexible work practices. Lean staff was the least motivator for adoption of flexible work practices. The results pointed that flexible work practices was instrumental in reducing operating costs of the firm but was limited in managing risks of employment.

It was concluded that flexible work practices is adopted by firms due to its great benefits of reducing operating costs and raising profit margins. However, flexible work practices are more attuned to low skilled occupations -than technical occupations.

It was recommended that flexible work practices should be adopted by firms in other industries. Employers need to review employment policies and revise them with the view of entrenching flexible work practices into the employment policies and systems.

Future research need to investigate the link between flexible work practices and employee job satisfaction in manufacturing industries in Nairobi. It will also be interesting to investigate flexible work practices and employee retention in manufacturing industries in Nairobi.