EXPLORING WORK-FAMILY LIFE BALANCE IN TWO BANKS IN TAKORADI

ABSTRACT To get the best out of employees in the banking industry, pressure is increasingly put on them to perform for sustainable growth leading to work-family life imbalance and consequent stress related issues. The purpose of this study therefore, is to explore issues related to work-family life balance among banking professionals in Ghana. It compares the experiences of bankers in two banks in Takoradi in the Western region of Ghana, to understand in-depth the factors that enable them to successfully balance their work and family roles since both are equally important for the socio-economic ecosystem. A qualitative approach is employed to explore how employees can strike a balance between their work and family lives. The data collection tools used are structured interviews and observation. The data are analyzed by developing themes, for discussion. Results reveal that bank workers depend on external support to achieve effective work-family life balance. The study concludes by suggesting the need for bank authorities to create a friendly working environment such as open-door policy, flexible work schedules, and relatively longer leave days among others to allow bank workers with young children to spend quality time with their families.