EMPLOYEE AUTONOMY AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF REMOTE WORKING

Aleksandra Boskovic

Faculty of Economics, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, the Republic of Serbia

In the digitalization era, traditional organizational success factors have been called into question, so it is necessary to reconsider the established work patterns and find new ways to create sustainable value. Given the fact that, as bearers of knowledge, people are the key drivers of value, it is important to explore possible ways to improve their potential. The research study carried out in this paper is aimed showing that autonomy contributes to the development of employee engagement in the digital environment, especially so in remote working conditions. In that sense, the concept of employee engagement was explained, as a state of high vigor, dedication and absorption. Possible ways to improve engagement through increasing autonomy are pointed out as well. The empirical research has confirmed that autonomy has a positive effect on vigor and dedication as the engagement dimensions. The impact autonomy exerts on vigor is stronger in the employees working remotely in comparison with those who do not work remotely.

Keywords: autonomy, job design, employee engagement, remote working, digital environment, organizational design

JEL Classification: M20, M12, J28