EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE ON EMPLOYEE ABSENTEEISM AT A SELECTED MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

In this study, the impact of work and family balance on employee absenteeism in a manufacturing firm of Sri Lanka is examined. Consequently, the rate of absenteeism has enhanced over the years, and it is improving the overall performance of the company. The study focuses on four key factors related to work-life balance: job stress, work hours, family responsibilities and personal health. All these variables are then examined to find the relationship between each and the levels of employee absenteeism. Consequently, the present work has employed a quantitative research approach where a structured questionnaire was administered to 145 employees of the company. Quantitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the data analysis techniques included correlation and regression analysis, to establish the correlation between the independent factors (work-life balance) and the dependent factor (employee absenteeism). The results show that job stress, long working hours, family care, and personal illness have positive relationships with the degree of absenteeism. Commitments concerning health and responsibilities as family caretakers are revealed to enhance the attendance problem. It also stresses prevention strategies including work options, health promotion initiatives, and management interventions as ways to improve work to family fit, reduce stress, and decrease absenteeism. From this researcher’s conclusions, the research provides the following managerial implications for the organization: Enhancing work–life policies that support and protect workers’ well-being. All these above strategies are believed to serve double aims of not only minimizing the problem of absenteeism, but also enhancing the levels of organizational commitment, satisfaction and productivity among employees.