This study aimed to investigate the relationship between remote and hybrid work methods and worker productivity in Port Harcourt’s fast-food industry in Nigeria. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey of 285 employees from 87 companies. The study examined the effects of flexible work arrangements, collaborative technologies, and freedom of location on work completion, service delivery and efficiency. Results of the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation tests showed positive, significant correlations between all the dimensions of remote/hybrid work and productivity (p < 0.01). The strategies together had a significant impact on operational efficiency (45.2% of variance explained, r = 0.672). The findings back up the Job Demands-Resources theory by demonstrating that flexible working schedules are valuable job resources that increase motivation and job performance. While few are taking up these opportunities, the study confirms that remote and hybrid strategies are proven strategies to increase productivity in developing countries. They also provide a tool for fast food managers. It recommends that companies should establish key performance indicators for productivity, employee satisfaction, employee turnover and costs. This will help them continue to improve and measure the effectiveness of their remote and hybrid strategies.

KEYWORDS: Remote work; Hybrid work; Flexible working schedules; Virtual collaboration tools; Workplace location autonomy; Employee productivity; Task completion rate; Service quality; Operational efficiency; Job Demands-Resources theory; Fast food industry; Port Harcourt; Nigeria; Developing economies; Work arrangements