REMOTE WORKING: FROM BENEFITS TO AN OBLIGATION FOR TALENT RETENTION STRATEGY INTHE SERVICE INDUSTRY

Purpose:This research seeks to investigate whether a remote working model has become a key factor influencing talent retention strategies during the covid-19 pandemic. Research Methodology:A mixed research methodology was applied following the grounded theory of conceptualization to assess data associations and explain their relationships. A situational analysis of relevant research related to the topic was conducted. Primary data collection included a total of 12 interviews issued to Human Resource personnel in the service industry and a survey to 115 people aged between 20-30 years who due to the covid-19 pandemic remain working remotely. Findings: We found out that 45% of people consider remote working as key when deciding on a new job. However much remote working has rapidly picked up momentum, managers still need to work on their management skills to enhance high-quality talent retention strategies and competitive advantage. Research limitations: We only focused on 17.47% of the labor force in the service industry who are between 20-30 years and due to covid-19 pandemic remain working remotely. However, most service industries had already implemented remote working models before the pandemic. Future research should include these companies as well and expand on the population scope. Practical Implications: The results could be used by managers to optimize productivity, efficiency and improve company talent retention strategies. Additionally, it offers employees work-balance benefits to consider for future jobs. Originality/Value: Remote working, talent retention strategies, and the service industry have been extensively researched. However, covid-19 influences a lot of these models and applicability especially in the service industry, unfortunately, it has been less explored.