Workplace environment and employee performance A case study of GRA Customs Division

Abstract

This study examines the effect of work environment on the performance of employees at GRA Customs Division in Accra, Ghana. The study formulated hypotheses which were subjected to statistical and inferential testing using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, and Hierarchical Regression Analysis to show the relationship between the identified workplace factors and employee performance. The analysis was based on a sample size of two hundred and eighteen (218) respondents collected from three branches of the GRA. A structured questionnaire was developed and used as the main instrument to collect data which was analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS v.23). The results from the study emphasized the importance of work environment on employees’ performance. Specifically, the findings of the study indicate that all the three dimensions of the work environment (i.e. Physical, Psychosocial and Work-life balance factors) have positive and significant effects on the performance of GRA, Customs Division employees. The study also found that, among the three dimensions, psychosocial work factors had the greateest positive influence on employees’ performance whereas physical factors had the least impact on the performance of employees. It is recommended that management of organisations redesign work environments to encourage supervisor-subordinate interpersonal relationships, ensure physical work environment that is devoid of excessive noise, lighting, and temperature, reduces the lengthy working hours and identify innovative ways to perform jobs in other to ensure employee work-life balance.