Effect Of Work-life Balance On Employee Productivity In Universities In Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to find out the effect of work life balance on employee productivity in institutions of higher learning. Work life balance is all about attaining a balance between professional work and other non-work activities; life and family. Work life balance initiatives if well implemented enhance efficiency and thus the productivity of employees’ increases. It brings about satisfaction in both the professional and personal life aspects of an employee. The study looked at problems that may arise as a result of poor balance between life and work, or lack of implementation of work life balance as well as the benefits that may be experienced as a result of proper balance between work and life. This study sought to shed light on work life balance practices by Kenyan universities, to establish the level of employee productivity and find out the relationship between work life balance and employee productivity Kenyan Universities .The study sought to achieve four objectives; to determine the effect of flexible working arrangements on employee productivity, to determine the effect of employee health and well- being initiatives on employee productivity, to find out the effect of career development on employee productivity and to assess the effect of leave arrangements on employee productivity. The study used descriptive survey; the research design was stratified random sampling because of the distinctive nature of the population. The sample size was 352 respondents comprising of both teaching and non-teaching employees from KCA University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Technology. The data was collected using structured questionnaires which were administered by the researcher. Data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS (21) was used to analyze and results obtained indicated that work life balance initiatives was significant as performance measurement model and the strength of the relationship between employee productivity and each of the independent variable performance measurement had a significant effect on employee productivity. Data analyzed showed good reliability and multi-collinearity was present. Multiple regression analysis was positively significant and presented using tables.