Thriving in the hybrid workspace: how task variety and self-control affect job performance

Purpose This study examines how hybrid work arrangements (such as telework and flexible work) influence job performance, considering the possible moderating effects of task variety and self-control. Design/methodology/approach Using a self-administrated online survey, data were collected from 277 staff (146 academic and 131 non-academic) across 36 Nigerian universities. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) was used to test six hypothesized associations. Findings The study’s findings showed that only flexible work has a significant positive effect on job performance. Moreover, the findings demonstrated the significant moderating effect of task variety on hybrid work-job performance. Specifically, a negative moderating effect of task variety on the impact of both telework and flexible work on job performance was observed. Conversely, concerning the moderating effect of self-control, only the impact of flexible work on job performance was moderated positively by self-control. Originality/value This study extends our understanding of the paradoxical nature of hybrid work on job performance by demonstrating instances when hybrid work may diminish or enhance job performance under task variety and self-control. Practitioners and relevant stakeholders can derive valuable insights from this study to formulate effective management policies and procedures to promote job performance.