EFFECT OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE POLICIES ON STRESS MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF SOME SELECTED NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME OFFICES WITHIN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of work-life balance policies on stress management: a case study of some selected National Health Insurance Schemes within the Kumasi Metropolis. The objectives of the study were to asses the worklife balance policies and their effects on stress management and to find out the effects of stress on job performance of selected National Health Insurance schemes/offices within the Kumasi Metropolis.The descriptive research design was used for the study. This research employed quantitative research approach. The population for the study was one hundred and twenty-nine (129). Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the ninety-seven (97) respondents used as the sample size for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data. Computer data analysis such as SPSS was used to analyse data. The study indicates that the available and implemented welfare policies/practices at the NHIS were full time work, part time work, job share, study leave, maternity leave, amongst others. Moreover, stress can lead employees into job dissatisfaction, employee turnover, increase in the number of errors made in the job, and deteriorating relationship with co-workers, friends and family. The study recommended that the Management of the NHIS should develop management training in leadership, interpersonal skills, dealing with change and developing teamwork by organising periodic workshops, conferences and in-service training programmes to enhance employee’s expertise and reduce stress, amongst others.