Adapt or Perish: A Case of Remote Working Challenges of Academic Staff at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.422Keywords:
Remote Work, Academic Employees, Digital Infrastructure, Professional Development, Higher EducationAbstract
Remote work has become integral to higher education, yet its impact on academic employees in developing contexts remains underexplored. This study examined the challenges, benefits, and potential solutions related to remote working among academic staff at a South African university. Guided by a constructivist paradigm, the study employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with seven purposively selected academics. Data were analysed thematically to identify core patterns in participants’ experiences. Findings revealed significant challenges, including reduced productivity due to unreliable internet connectivity, outdated digital resources, and social isolation resulting from diminished collegial interaction. Despite these constraints, participants reported benefits such as cost savings and enhanced work flexibility, which supported improved work–life balance. Proposed solutions emphasised the need for strengthened digital infrastructure, greater technological adaptation, and ongoing professional development to improve digital competence and pedagogical effectiveness. The study highlights the critical role of institutional support in enabling effective remote work. Strengthening technological systems, fostering supportive leadership practices, and investing in staff development are essential for sustaining remote work efficacy and well-being in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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