The Impact of Online Recreation Activities on Team Cohesion During Remote Work with Special Reference to IT Sector, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a widespread shift to remote work in the information technology industry. This change, a direct result of the outbreak, has made remote work the new norm. Despite the benefits of flexibility and reduced commuting, remote employment poses challenges, particularly in building a strong team. Firms are increasingly using internet entertainment like social gatherings and virtual games to enhance team cohesion among remote workers. However, there is a notable lack of research on the effectiveness of these activities, particularly in the IT sector in Sri Lanka. This study aims to address this gap, offering insights into the impact of online recreation activities on team formation among remote IT workers in Sri Lanka. The goal of this study is to guide policymakers based on actual data, addressing a major gap in the existing literature. The integrated model developed through analysis and literature review, employing multiple regression models, supports the finding that "online recreation activities significantly impact team cohesion." This research, based on a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 106 responses analyzed using SPSS, provides conclusive evidence, aiming to inform future studies and guide policymakers.