An Assessment of Work–Life Balance and Employees’ Productivity in the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki

Abstract

Work-life equilibrium significantly impacts employee productivity, a critical concern within academic institutions. This research investigates the correlation between work-life balance and productivity among academic staff at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, analysing data from 2019 to 2023. The study specifically examines the effects of extended work hours and absenteeism on employee performance, job satisfaction, and teaching efficacy. Utilising Role Theory as a framework, positing that individuals navigate multiple potentially conflicting roles, the research explores how effectively managing these competing demands influences work-life balance. A qualitative, descriptive design was employed to thoroughly investigate this influence. The findings indicate that 87.5% of respondents identified work-related stress and high absenteeism as significant factors that degrade job performance and diminish academic output. The study underscores the adverse impacts of role conflict, stress, and absenteeism on academic performance, advocating for flexible work arrangements and robust institutional policies to mitigate these effects. Recommendations include implementing structured leave policies, flexible work options, and comprehensive stress management programs to foster improved work-life balance. Furthermore, the study emphasises the importance of cultivating a supportive work environment and adopting employee-centric policies to alleviate stress and boost overall productivity. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics between work-life balance and employee performance, delivering actionable strategies to tackle productivity challenges in academic environments