The Effect of Remote Work on Employee Performance in Nigerian Banks

Abstract

This study examines the effect of remote work on employee performance in Nigerian banks, a sector where service delivery and efficiency are critical to competitiveness. Although remote work is widely practiced in developed economies, its impact in developing contexts such as Nigeria remains underexplored, particularly given infrastructural limitations and cultural preferences for direct supervision. Using a survey of 50 employees across five major banks, First Bank, GTBank, Access Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank, the study employed stratified random sampling and structured questionnaires to gather data. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques in SPSS.
The findings reveal that remote work positively influences employee performance, especially by enhancing productivity, job satisfaction, and efficiency. Approximately 66% of respondents agreed that remote work improved overall performance, while 72% reported higher job satisfaction and efficiency. However, challenges such as weak internet connectivity, unstable electricity supply, and reduced teamwork were identified as barriers to optimal outcomes. Notably, only 40% of respondents felt that remote work supported effective teamwork, highlighting collaboration gaps in virtual environments.
The study concludes that while remote work offers significant individual benefits, it also presents systemic challenges that limit collective performance in the Nigerian banking sector. A hybrid work model, coupled with infrastructural support, digital training, and clear performance frameworks, is recommended to optimize outcomes. These findings contribute to theoretical debates on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model and offer practical insights for banks and policymakers aiming to balance flexibility with organizational efficiency in Nigeria’s evolving work landscape.