Influence of Work-Life Balance on Employee Productivity in Commercial Banking Institutions in Anambra State: A Study of First Bank Nigeria Limited

Abstract

In today’s rapidly changing work environment, the relationship between job responsibilities and personal well-being has become a growing focus of global concern, especially in the banking sector where there is an increasing mismatch between employees’ work responsibilities and their personal lives. Thus, the study investigated the influence of work-life balance on employee productivity in commercial banking institutions in Anambra State, with a focus on First Bank of Nigeria Limited. The study was guided by four research objectives and anchored on Work-Family Conflict Theory. A mixed methods research design was adopted, drawing a sample of 137 respondents from a population of 420 employees. Simple random sampling was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. Descriptive statistics, particularly simple percentage tables, were used to analyse quantitative data, while a narrative method was used for qualitative data analysis. The study found that the nature of work-life balance among employees of First Bank of Nigeria Limited is largely unbalanced. It further revealed that maintaining a healthy work-life balance contributes positively to employees’ overall job performance. Additionally, the study identified long working hours as the major challenge employees face in achieving work-life balance. The study concludes that work-life balance significantly influences employee productivity in First Bank of Nigeria Limited. Based on these findings, it is recommended, among others, that bank management should assess existing workloads and enforce policies that prevent excessively long working hours. Encouraging a culture that respects work boundaries can reduce burnout and improve employee performance and retention.