UNU Jogja Researcher Develops “Suhada Model” to Analyze Remote Workers’ Performance

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – A researcher from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) has developed a new analytical framework in digital human resource management called the “Suhada Model.” The model was designed to understand the factors influencing the performance of remote workers, or teleworkers, in the digital era.

The model is the outcome of the dissertation research conducted by Dr. Ir. Suhada, S.T., MBA., IPU., QRGP, a lecturer in the Management Department of UNU Jogja's Faculty of Economics. The study has been published in Intangible Capital, an international journal indexed by Scopus and Web of Science, under the title "From Workspace Spirituality to Performance: How Digital Skills and Innovative Work Behavior Shape Teleworking Outcomes."

The research involved 245 teleworkers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) who work across various sectors, serving both domestic companies and international clients.

Dr. Suhada explained that performance measurement for digital workers has traditionally focused on technical aspects such as productivity and digital competencies. However, his findings suggest that non-technical factors also play a crucial role in determining the success of remote work.

"Digital transformation is not only about technology. More importantly, organizations need to foster meaningful work, a sense of belonging, and value alignment among employees," Suhada said.

The Suhada Model integrates three key variables: digital skills, workplace spirituality, and innovative work behavior, all of which influence teleworker performance in areas such as adaptability, digital collaboration, and technology-based task completion.

The study found that employees who feel connected to their organizations and find meaning in their work tend to demonstrate higher performance and greater adaptability to technological change.

In addition, the research revealed that innovative work behavior serves as a mediating factor that strengthens the relationship between meaningful work and improved digital performance.

According to Suhada, the model can serve as a reference for companies and government institutions implementing teleworking, Work From Anywhere (WFA), and Work From Home (WFH) arrangements in evaluating employee performance. He argued that this approach is better suited to the characteristics of digital work because it considers not only productivity but also the human dimensions of work.

The researcher believes these findings could provide the foundation for developing performance management systems that are more relevant to the increasingly flexible and digitally driven nature of today's workplace.

Through the Suhada Model, UNU Jogja hopes to contribute both academically and practically to the advancement of human resource management in the era of digital transformation, particularly as remote working practices continue to expand globally. [Latifah]