Work life balance of bankers: a case study of bank of ceylon super grade branch Kandy, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Good functioning at work and at home with a minimum of role conflict is called as work life balance (WLB) (Clark, 2000 cited in Perera & Opatha, 2014). It is an inter role phenomenon which reflects the orientation of different life roles of individuals (Greenhaus et al., 2003). Individuals need energy, time & commitment to play different life roles. Due to that role conflict may occur (Kirchmeyer, 2000 cited in Kalliath & Brough, 2008). Social changes such as a change in the family structure from extended to nuclear type; increased number of sandwich generation; changing the role of breadwinner of family from man to both man and woman; increased number of dual earner-carrier families has made WLB a challenge to individuals (Rajadhyaksh, 2012). Not only social changes, the changes in the work such as a higher concern on productivity, working beyond the normal working hours (08 hours), increased number of women employed and promoted as managers has also made WLB a challenge to individuals (Perera & Opatha, 2014). Work life imbalance effect on health and performance outcomes of individuals, families and organizations (Kalliath & Brough, 2008). Higher level of work life conflicts exhibit higher levels of job dissatisfaction and poor levels of commitments towards the organization (Beauregard & Henry, 2009).

Banking sector, being a dynamic industry in Sri Lanka is in a strategy of reducing staff by increasing use of technology. Staff of Bank of Ceylon (BOC) of central province has been reduced continuously since 2013 at an average rate of 6% (BOC, 2017-2013). Being a service oriented industry; role of a banker is very significant for the quality of the output of the institution. They should be mentally, physically healthy to deliver a quality service. Over seven decades, BOC was able to stand in the number one position as the bankers to the nation. Factors affecting WLB of married female employees at the BOC head office has been studied (Fernando & Umma, 2016). In this context the paper is focused on below objectives