Impact of Workplace Transformation on Employee Productivity during Covid-19

This research project analyzes the impact of workplace transformation on employee productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. It includes a case study on Dimello coffee and examines the need for transformation, problems faced by employees, and strategies for motivating employees. The research methodology includes the use of deductive research and quantitative data analysis.

HND in Business Management
HNTT 311: Research Project
The impact of workplace transformation
on the productivity of employees at the
time of Covid-19.
Submitted by:
Name:
ID:
Email:

Table of Contents
Acknowledgement 2
Abstract/Executive summary 3
Chapter 1: Introduction 4-5
1.1 Research Aim and Rationale 4
1.2 Research Questions 4
1.3 Research Objectives 4-5
Chapter 2: Literature Review 5-7
2.1 Introduction of Literature Review 5
2.2 Main Body (with Headings and Sub-headings) 6
2.3 Conclusion of Literature Review 7
Chapter 3: Methodology 8-9
3.1 Research Approach 8
3.2 Research Methods 8
3.3 Research Methodology 8
3.4 Research Instruments/Tools 9
3.5 Sampling 9
3.6 Ethical Implications 9
Chapter 4: Findings (data analysis and presentation) 10-20
Chapter 5: Discussion (data interpretation) 20
Chapter 6: Conclusion, recommendations and implications for
further research 20-21
References 22
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Acknowledgement
I am thankful to God for providing me opportunity to carry on the research. Along
with that giving me necessary skills that made me confident. I am thankful to teacher for
preparing me and making capable of conducting this research. My peers and seniors also
helped at all the places I got problem. This helps to carry on the work in effective manner and
solve all the conflicts.
I am able to comply this project due to the support provided and the guidance that I
got. It helps me to complete the work within deadline and get better results.
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Abstract/Executive summary
There are regular changes that take place in the environment. It is necessary to know
about all the changes that take place. The impact of Covid-19 is analysed in the research.
Along with that the requirement of using latest technology so that best actions are taken. The
use of all this helps the company to attain successful position in market so that work is done
in effective manner. The problems faced by the employees at the time of bringing
transformative actions in order to attain good position in market.
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Chapter 1: Introduction
The nature of business environment is changing and this impacts the performance of the
business. It is seen that all the businesses need to undertake the process of transformation in
order have an effective position in the market (Seetharaman, 2020). The use of regular
research is necessary for the businesses so that they are able to manage their working in
proper manner. It becomes vital for the company to take necessary actions for improving the
performance of the business and working in effective manner. The pandemic situation around
the world has impacted the businesses in adverse manner. There is need of understanding that
there is so much uncertainty present in the environment that must be dealt with in proper
manner. There is need of taking transforming actions. It is seen that the employees are
resistant to change (Bartik and et.al., 2020). This report is based on workplace transformation
being undertaken by Dimello coffee. It is an independent family business in UK. The
company provides value to the customers in the form of coffee. They believe in innovation
and provide variety of products to their customers. The evaluation regarding the
transformation actions taken by the business enterprise are part of this report. It helps the
company enhance their performance again and attain better position in market.
1.1 Research Aim
“To analyse the impact of workplace transformation on the productivity of employees during
pandemic.” A case study on Dimello coffee.
1.2 Research Questions
 What is the need of workplace transformation during the pandemic in business?
 What is the impact of transformation on employee’s productivity in Dimello coffee?
 What are some problems faced by employees while coping up with workplace
transformation?
 What are some strategies for motivating employees at the time of pandemic?
1.3 Research Objectives
 To identify the need of workplace transformation in business at the time of pandemic.
 To analyse the impact of transformation on employee’s productivity during pandemic.
 To examine the problems employees, face while coping up with workplace
transformation.
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 To develop strategies for motivating employees during pandemic.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction of Literature Review
Literature review provides in depth knowledge regarding the topic and helps to present the
same in effective manner. It is done by the use of already published articles, books, journal,
news and other authenticated source. It is necessary to gain in-depth knowledge related to the
topic so that better goals are attained.
2.2 Main Body (with Headings and Sub-headings)
To identify the need of workplace transformation in business at the time of pandemic
According to Fairlie, 2020 Due to pandemic, there arise many uncertainties, giving
birth to various market trends. People are not allowed to move out there houses except in case
of emergency. Full usage of technology is made for providing needs to the people. All these
factors lead to a requirement of changes in business. This initiated “Work From Home”. Door
to door delivery of products was the only option left for the survival of business. Business is
getting slower day by day because of decreasing demand of customers. This pandemic took
away jobs of many people thereby leading them to a miserable condition. Employees are not
getting proper instructions for the tasks assigned. A lot of other hindrances were there to
complete the work like employees were not able to coordinate with each other, management
was not able to supervise them, etc. All this demanded change in workplace. People were not
allowed to step out of their homes due to pandemic situation (Gregurec,Tomičić Furjan and
Tomičić-Pupek, 2021). The company, Dimello, have now started using technological tools.
The company placed our store online and made a website of our own too. People started
placing their order online and the products were being delivered at their doorstep. Through
online selling, the company was able to reach to a large number of consumers at the same
time. There remains no limit of space or sitting. Dimello didn't had any idea that technology
can prove to be this useful to them. This aspect of technology remains hidden. Therefore, one
side of pandemic came out to be fruitful for us.
To analyse the impact of transformation on employees productivity during pandemic.
As per Hernández-Sánchez, Cardella and Sánchez-García, 2020 Pandemic affected the whole
world to a large extent. “Work From Home” was one of the major changes made during this
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period. This made a huge impact on every organisation especially on employees.
Transformation in the company made employees a bit uncomfortable. In the initial phase they
were not able to work effectively and were unable to work with same level of productivity.
They needed time to get used to the changes that were being made. Employees sat at home
and worked for the organisation for the continuity of operations. Use of technology made
them more creative. This was beneficial especially for employees of IT sector. They got a
chance to enhance their knowledge as the much time was saved that they used to spend
commuting. Innovations were being made by the employees . Such innovative ideas helped
the company to attract new and more customers. They reached to a large number of
consumers while sitting at home. This motivated them to work harder. Employees gave time
to themselves and identified their strengths. They took advantage of them and worked on
their weaknesses. In that scenario, where people were not getting even the bare minimum to
survive, their organisation were making profits.
To examine the problems employees face while coping up with workplace
transformation.
According to Kalogiannidis and Chatzitheodoridis, 2021 there are a lot of problems, faced by
the employees that made the organisations suffer. Reduction in the productivity of employees
was one of the major cause. This happened due to sudden changes that were being made in
the working style of company. Clear instructions and proper guidance was absent.
Supervision is very essential for the operation of an organisation. Absence of supervision
means there was no one to keep a watch on the employees, this made them a bit careless. This
carelessness of some employees affected their work to a huge extent. This made their
productivity low thereby decreasing profits, the company could have actually earned. Use of
technology was another barrier. Employees need proper training to work efficiently and
effectively with these techniques as these are completely new for them. Work pressure was
the another hindrance. Due to the pandemic, working in the organisations stopped for some
time (Al-Fadly, 2020). To cover this loss of time, employees were pressurised to complete
the assigned tasks. These tasks were more than what an employee could normally do. This
made the work a load for the employees which made tasks monotonous. Proper training
should be given and the work should be divided according to the capability of every
employee so that they don't feel burden on their head. Thus, the organisation should try to
satisfy the needs of the employees within time. Employees are a crucial part of the
organisation and it is the duty of the company to look after their needs.
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To create strategies for motivating employees during pandemic.
As per Kaushik and Guleria, 2020 Everyone needs motivation to achieve what they are
expected to or what they aspire for. There are a lot of problems faced by the employees.
These must be eradicated so that the employees could work without any difficulty. The
solution to such problems is that the employers adopt some strategies to motivate their
employees. These help in maintaining a positive, healthy environment which fill them with
enthusiasm. It is not only the duty of the employer to motivate them but also the duty of
employees, to help, towards each other. The company could hold employee motivation
conference online. This is the best way to motivate them. Everyone needs motivation to
achieve what they are expected to or what they aspire for. Dimello could provide training to
its employees, making them clear how to use the technology. Further, the company should
appreciate the employees for their hard work and dedication which makes them feel
recognised and valued. Employers must be easily approachable and listen to the problems of
employees. Proper and transparent communication is essential for effective working of an
organisation. Employers should support the employees and think for their well-being.
Preparing them for future could also motivate the employees as it gives them self-confidence.
2.3 Conclusion of Literature Review
It is analysed that the effective strategies and coordination helps the company to
overcome the difficult situation. It is necessary to work in such a manner that better results
are attained. The pandemic situation changed the pattern of working in business
organisations,
Chapter 3: Methodology
Research methodology can be understood as systematic process that is being used to carry
on the research in effective manner. It can also be understood as identify, select, process, and
analyse information about a topic. It is necessary to use all the steps in proper manner in
order to attain better results and gain the objectives of research in proper manner (Mohajan,
2018). It becomes necessary to work as per the stages and make a wise choice so that better
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results are gained. The research methodology section plays and important role and helps to
carry on the research properly.
3.1 Research Approach
Research approach is the set of plans and procedures for the research. It includes the steps
that must be followed to interpret the data in effective manner. It is necessary to collect the
data in effective manner. There are two types of research approach i.e inductive and
deductive research. It is seen that inductive research is one in which body of observation is
being derived from general principles. It is based on making broad generalisation so that
better results are attained (Pandey and Pandey, 2021). The deductive research approach can
be defined as mental process of drawing interferences. The logics are being followed so that
better conclusions are derived. It is done with the use of already existing theories so that the
result attained is effective and better. The use of deductive research is being done so that the
collected information is right. It helps to derive better conclusions.
3.2 Research philosophy
It is a phenomenon in which data is being gathered so that it is being analysed in best
possible manner. There is need of choosing the research philosophy in effective manner so
that the data is analysed properly. The two types of research philosophy are interpretivism
and positivism. interpretivism research is based on the principle that a researcher performs
specific role and observes the world. The research is based on the interest of the researcher.
The other research philosophy says that the factual knowledge must be gained through
observations. In positivism research philosophy the role of researcher is limited. The use of
interpretivism is being done in order to carry on the research in effective manner and derive
best results.
3.3 Research Methods
The two methods of data collection are primary and secondary. The primary method
is a first hand way of collecting the data through sample size. The data is collected by the
researcher (Cr, 2020). On the next side, secondary data is the use of already published books,
news, journals, articles. There is need of checking the authenticity of the secondary data so
that better results are attained. In this research quantitate data is used and will be shown with
the help of graphs so that it is easy to understand.
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3.4 Research Methodology
There is key role of research methodology in order to collect the data and analyse the
same. The two types of research methods are qualitative and quantitative method. The
qualitative research method says that theoretical information must be used to collect data. It is
descriptive in nature and based on observations. The research size does not matter in case of
qualitative research. The quantitative research is numerical in nature. Under this sample size
is being set and the data is being collected from them (Dźwigoł and Dźwigoł-Barosz, 2018).
The use of quantitative research will be done to understand the impact of workplace
transformation on the performance and productivity of employees.
3.5 Research Instruments
Research instruments are being used in order to collect and analyze the data. It is
necessary to use right instrument so that better results are attained. Each and every instrument
plays a necessary role in collection of data. The type of research method helps to decide the
best research instrument. The different types of research instruments are questionnaire,
interviews, observations, focus group discussion and experiment. The use of questionnaire is
being done to collect the data from sample size and analyse the same.
3.6 Sampling
It is the process of selecting some respondents from the overall universe. It is not
possible to take review of all the people present in universe. There are various methods of
collecting the data from sample size. The use of random sampling will be done so that there is
no biasness and the true results are achieved. The sample size will be 40 in this case.
3.4 Ethical Implications
There is key role of ethical implications in research. It is necessary to follow the ethics
so that research is carried in proper manner. There is need of using authenticated source of
data so that the results are reliable (Nayak and Singh, 2021). The data consent of the person
whose data is used must be given. There is need of giving credibility to the authors so that
best results are gained. It is important to use the data and information for the purpose it is
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being collected. There is need of working in effective manner so that there is no unethical
practice being undertaken.
Chapter 4: Findings (data analysis and presentation)
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you know about the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on business organisation?
A Yes
B No
Q2) State the impact of Covid-19 on Dimello coffee?
A Reduction in employee confidence
B Decrease productivity
C Reduced brand image
Q3) Is there need of bringing transformation in the company?
A Yes
B No
Q4) What are the transformative actions that are necessary for the business after Covid-19?
A Work from home
B Door to door delivery
C More use of technology
Q 5) Did the employees faced challenges while bringing the transformation?
A Yes
B No
Q 6) What are the challenges that are faced by the employees?
A Reduced morale
B Decreased productivity
Q 7) Were employees able to manage the condition of work from home?
Yes
No
Q8) What are the strategies taken by company to cope up with the situation?
A Regular communication
B Monitoring the performance
Q9) Is it necessary to use updated technology?
A Yes
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B No
Q 10 Any recommendations?
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Q1) Do you know about the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on
business organisation?
Frequency
A Yes 35
B No 5
A Yes B No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Frequency
Data interpretation: It is analysed that the impact of Covid on the workplace is being
understood by 35 out of 40 respondents. There were only 5 respondents who were not able to
understand the impact.
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Q2) State the impact of Covid-19 on Dimello coffee? Frequency
A Reduction in employee confidence 20
B Decrease productivity 10
C Reduced brand image 10
A Work from home B Door to door delivery C More use of
technology
0
5
10
15
20
Frequency
Data interpretation: From the above graph, it is being analysed that there was reduction in
the confidence level of the employees due to the pandemic situation. There were 20
employees who believe this. 10 out of 40 employees believe that there is reduction in the
capability of the employees due to the pandemic. The brand image of the business also
reduces after pandemic.
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Q3) Is there need of bringing transformation in the company? Frequency
A Yes 39
B No 1
A Yes B No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Frequency
Data interpretation: There is key role of bringing transformation after the situation of
pandemic. There were 39 employees out of 40 who believe that there is need of bringing
transformation. Only 1 employee do not believe the same.
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Q4) What are the transformative actions that are necessary for the
business after Covid-19?
Frequency
A Work from home 20
B Door to door delivery 10
C More use of technology 10
A Work from home B Door to door delivery C More use of technology
0
4
8
12
16
20
Frequency
Data interpretation: There is need of taking right actions in order to manage the work. There
were 20 employees who said that work from home was one of the necessary step taken by the
Dimello coffee. 10 employees believed that there is need of door to door delivery in order to
reach the customers. The use of latest technology will help is being believed by rest 10
employees.
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Q 5) Did the employees faced challenges while bringing the
transformation?
Frequency
A Yes 35
B No 5
A Yes B No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Frequency
Data interpretation: As per the above graph, it is being analysed that 45 employees faced
challenges at the time of working due to the transformations. There were 5 employees who
did not faced any problem at the time of Covid-19.
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Q 6) What are the challenges that are faced by the employees? Frequency
A Reduced morale 20
B Decreased productivity 20
A Reduced morale B Decreased productivity
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Frequency
Data interpretation: The graph shows that, the morale of the employees went down and this
was a challenge faced by 20 employees out of 40. The other 20 employees faced the problem
of decreased productivity. It impacts the productivity of the organisation as well.
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Q 7) Were employees able to manage the condition of work from
home?
Frequency
Yes 15
No 25
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
Frequency
Data Interpretation: It is evaluated that there is need of providing good working condition to
the employees. There are 15 employees who were able to manage their working at the time of
pandemic. It is seen that 25 employees said they were not able to manage the work due to the
situation of work from home.
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Q8) What are the strategies taken by company to cope up with the
situation?
Frequency
A Regular communication 25
B Monitoring the performance 15
A Regular communication B Monitoring the performance
0
5
10
15
20
25
Frequency
Data interpretation: The major strategy undertaken to cope up with the situation is regular
communication with the employees. This helps the employees to be in touch with the higher
management so that better actions are taken. Other 15 employees believe that monitoring the
performance is also necessary to deal with the situation.
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Q9) Is it necessary to use updated technology? Frequency
A Yes 35
B No 5
A Yes B No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Frequency
Data Interpretation: from the above graph, it is analysed that there is need of using best
technology so that better results are attained. It helps to deal with the complex situation.
There are 5 employees who do not believe that latest technology can change the situation.
Chapter 5: Discussion (data interpretation)
It is analysed that there is need of making regular changes in the company so that better
image in attained. There are various problems that Dimello coffee faced due to the pandemic
situation. There is need of understanding the impact so that better actions are taken. It is
analysed that productivity and motivation level of the employees reduced due to pandemic
situation. The use of work from home and online delivery helped the company to survive.
The use of proper communication is necessary to deal with the situation and manage the
working.
Chapter 6: Conclusion, recommendations and implications for
further research
From the above research, it is being concluded that there are so many uncertainties
present in the environment. It is important to carry on regular research so that all the threats
can be minimised and actions of precautions are taken. It is important to note that Covid-19
has impacted the working of businesses and they are able to manage the working in
appropriate manner. The use of all this is necessary to manage the work in uncertain situation
as well. It is necessary to have proper transformation strategy so that better decisions are
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taken. It becomes necessary to work in such a manner that the company is able to attain
success. In this research there is discussion related to the key parameters that are necessary to
bring transformation in the workplace. There is need of adapting all the changes in effective
manner. There is need of adopting the changes in the market so that tasks are attained
effectively. There was direct impact of pandemic on the business situation and it helps to
carry on the work in effective manner. There are several problems that are being faced by the
employees in order to bring transformative actions in the company. The use of right tools and
techniques is necessary to manage the work in effective manner. It is important to make the
working in such a manner that best decisions are taken. There is need of working in such a
manner that all the problems that are being faced at the time of working are eliminated. It is
necessary to take feedback from the employees on regular basis so that better decision
making is done. It is necessary activity that benefits the employees and their performance.
Recommendations
 It is recommended that the Dimello coffee must do regular research so that they are able
to know about the needs and wants of their customers in appropriate manner. The use of
effective research is necessary to carry on the work in best possible manner. The
company must check the situation of market on regular basis and attain effective position
in market.
 There is need of taking proper care of the employees. The performance of the employees
has direct impact on the productivity of the company. The feedback from the customers
must be taken on regular basis as it assists in attaining successful position. There is need
of effective communication with the employees and this helps to overcome all the
problems that are being faced.
 There is need of using updated technology on regular basis so that the company is able to
provide effective working to the employees. The company must have proper IT
departments so that better actions are taken in favour of the company. The use of all the
necessary actions will enhance the brand image of the business organisation and achieve
success.
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References
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17666.
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