Examining the impact of remote work on employees, employers, and the State in Nigeria

Abstract

The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created significant challenges for employees, employers, and the government, complicating the management of remote teams while striving to maintain productivity and organizational cohesion. The central problem addressed in this study is the deteriorating state of employment relations marked by downsizing and layoffs, particularly in the private sector in Nigeria. This study aims to analyze the impact of remote work on these stakeholders through a systematic and thematic review based on PRISMA guidelines. The social exchange theory and the resource-based view theory are two theories that are relevant to this study. Twenty-four (24) publications from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed and sourced from Google Scholar, DOAJ, Scopus, and Web of Science. The authors used 24 papers through a systematic review process that involved comprehensive literature searches across multiple databases. The study utilized purposive sampling techniques to select studies that met their predefined criteria. The findings indicate that while organizations have begun to adopt remote work and virtual communication tools, these resources are primarily accessible to larger companies due to associated costs. Additionally, the study highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and structural improvements to support remote work at a societal and economic level. The study recommends that the government enhance infrastructural development and that organizations implement better strategies for remote work. Furthermore, individuals should pursue advancements in technology to adapt to the changing landscape.