The Impact of Covid 19 on Performance Management Systems at Old Mutual Zimbabwe

Abstract

Covid-19 caused many workplace transformations across the world. This study aimed to assess the impact of Covid-19 on performance management systems with emphasis on Old Mutual Zimbabwe. The research sought to identify the organisation’s performance management system before Covid-19 and the impact, if any, of Covid-19 on the performance management system. The research integrated a mixed methods approach to triangulate following the pragmatic philosophy. The study also used the explanatory sequential design to ensure that the research problem was explored more meaningfully. The findings showed that Old Mutual had well-thought-out and laid-out performance management systems before Covid-19, and they were agile enough to adapt quickly to the crisis, Covid-19 did not have a negative impact. The study recommended that managers should explain the relationship between departmental goals and the attainment of the overall organizational goals to workers. Organisations should also carry out internal surveys to see if managers are carrying out performance management appropriately. Furthermore, the study recommended that organizations should emphasise the importance of frequent feedback sessions between managers and workers so that corrective action can be taken before the end of the review cycle as well as consider hybrid working systems where workers work virtually to ensure work-life balance. Further research are recommended on the positive effects for workers and organizations that have come about as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and how these can be leveraged when future crises arise.

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