The effects of motivational factors on employee engagement levels in times of crisis : the case of a Lebanese Alpha Bank

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify to what extent employees are engaged at work using five significant independent variables despite the financial, economic and pandemic crises that Lebanon is going through today. Design/methodology/approach – The study is survey-based, questionnaires are distributed to the frontline bank employees and the data will be collected from Byblos Bank branches across Lebanon. The sample for the study will include 205 Byblos Bank staff (Including managers and employees). The study will be conducted as a positivist approach. Findings – The study results show that all independent variables have a positive significant effect on employee engagement. However, consistent recognition has proved to have the strongest significance out of the other variables therefore being most effective in engaging employees. Research limitations/implications – This study focused on one bank and examined the engagement levels of its frontline employees. Following study can be tested on several other banks and be able to identify key opportunities in order to enhance and engage employees during times of crisis. Scholars and researchers have examined several ways in which employees can be engaged and have a great impact on the organization and could use other perspectives and characteristics in trying to identify newer ways to engage employees. Practical implications – Providers of training such as the HR team and branch managers can be informed through our study the various ways of engaging frontline employees during crisis. The result of the study suggests consistent recognition for the staff which can be done virtually and/or physically. By practicing this behavior, employees will feel less stressed and more intrigued with their job tasks and thus becoming more at ease with clients. Originality/value – The following study was conducted from my own perspective meaning that the work is my own; yet, arguments have been bought up from various researchers which have been cited and quoted in order to back up my analysis.