IMPACT OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION AMONG THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL EMPLOYEES AT A SELECTED APPAREL COMPANY IN GAMPOLA

Abstract

A common problem in the majority of Sri Lankan apparel companies is the impact of work-life balance on employee retention. The researchers have conducted numerous organizational level research investigations. However, it lacks a sufficient investigation to demonstrate the true or most significant problem with employee retention in the apparel industry. The study's objective is to determine the most influential factor among operational level employees of a chosen apparel company in Gampola, Sri Lanka by looking at how work-life balance factors affect employee retention. Employee retention will be the research study's dependent variable, with other variables including remuneration, the working environment, supervisor support, and career progression. The sample for this research study consisted of 100 operational level personnel, and the sampling strategy used was a simple random sampling method. In-depth interviews with 20 operational level employees were done with a total of 10 questions and included a total of 31 questions linked to four distinct aspects that had an impact on employee retention. Since the researcher is using a mixed methodology, both qualitative and quantitative data will be examined in this study. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using "IBM SPSS Statistics 25" software, and the qualitative analysis was completed using the narrative analysis method. The objective of the research study was to determine the most influential factor among operational level employees of a chosen apparel company in Gampola, Sri Lanka regarding how work-life balance factors affect employee retention.The study found that work-life balance significantly impacts employee retention in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. This suggests that apparel companies should pay more attention to work-life balance if they want to retain their employees.The study also revealed that supervisor support and career progression had a significant impact on employee retention, whereas remuneration and the working environment did not show a significant impact.Qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with 20 operational level employees revealed that flexible working hours, supportive supervisors, and opportunities for career advancement were critical factors for employee retention. The employees felt that these factors contributed to a positive work-life balance and a sense of job satisfaction.In conclusion, the research study highlights the importance of work-life balance in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka and emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize this factor to retain their employees. The study also provides insight into the specific factors that influence employee retention in the industry, which can help apparel companies develop strategies to retain their employees.