Work-Life Balance As A Tool For Stress Management In Selected Banking Institutions In Ghana

Abstract

In Ghana, there is a growing concern of occupational stress, especially in the private sector, where some
organizations saddle their employees with long working hours without consideration to other aspects of their
lives. This study therefore sought to investigate into the policy and practice of work-life balance in selected
banking institutions in Ghana and how these practices are able to help in managing the stress levels of
employees. The study used quantitative method for collecting primary data, which were analysed using
descriptive statistics. Findings from the study revealed that even though work-life balance is practiced in the
selected banking institutions, some of the practices that connote an effective work-life balance culture are nonexistent. It was also discovered that respondents held an almost polarized view of the effectiveness of work-life
balance in managing their stress levels. Majority of respondents also agreed that work-life balance is effective
in enhancing their performance at work and finally, female respondents demonstrated a greater need for worklife balance than their male counterparts. It is recommended that a review of existing work-life balance policies
in the banking institutions are undertaken to ensure that policies regarding the concept are consistent with
employees’ actual experience. This can be achieved by making sure that employees across different levels of
the organization have easy access to the use of work-life balance initiatives without suffering any adverse
career consequences.