Work-Life Balance Achievement among Women in the Lagos Banking Sector

Abstract

The need to give adequate attention to workplace, family, and personal obligations remains a major concern for working women, as they navigate competing socio-cultural expectations and organisational demands. This challenge is particularly pronounced in high-pressure environments such as the banking sector in Lagos State. To address the challenge, this article investigates Work-life Balance (WLB) achievement among women in the Lagos banking sector, guided by two key questions: To what extent do women achieve WLB, and how do they achieve it? The study utilised both primary and secondary data, collected through a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews, alongside a theoretical framework comprising Social Role Theory and Liberal Feminist Theory. A total of 975 randomly selected women completed the questionnaire, while 25 interviews were conducted with women in leadership roles. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to narrative analysis. The findings indicate a high level of WLB achievement among respondents. Strategies adopted include arranging childcare during work hours, staying connected with family while at work, and completing official tasks from home. Positive correlations were found between WLB and variables such as designation (r = .477), educational qualifications (r = .379), income level (r = .374), work experience (r = .283), marital status (r = .113), and age (r = .087). Despite demanding job conditions, women achieved WLB through resilience and adaptive coping strategies. The study concludes that promoting supportive workplace policies is essential for enhancing women’s ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities.