Organisational Compassion and Employee Engagement in Virtual Work Environments during Covid-19 Lockdown in Uganda and Rwanda
Organisational Compassion and Employee Engagement in Virtual Work Environments during Covid-19 Lockdown in Uganda and Rwanda

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: This study attempted to study the dynamics between organisational compassion and employee engagement during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Uganda and Rwanda when workers were required to work from home and in Virtual work environments. Methodology/approach: The study adopted a quantitative research design. Data was collected from a sample of staff in selected institutions of higher learning in Uganda and Rwanda using an online questionnaire distributed both through social media and email correspondence. Findings: The findings indicated that organisational compassion was a significant predictor of the vigour component of employee engagement compared to dedication and absorption while working virtually. Moreover, for selected organisational compassion dimensions of mindfulness and kindness, the supervisor's kindness towards employees and employees’ mindfulness of self to others were strong predictors of work engagement while working remotely. Originality/value: While organisational compassion and employee engagement have been studied in in-person settings, this paper attempted to explore these concepts in virtual and remote workspaces with unique complexities.

• Details
• Contents