INFLUENCE OF WORK LIFE BALANCE ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY AND JOSEPH SARWUAN TARKA UNIVERSITY IN BENUE-STATE-NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of work-life balance on employee performance among academic staff of Benue State University and Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Benue State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and a sample of 283 academic staff was selected using stratified random sampling. The study's findings revealed a significant influence of work-life balance on employee performance, with work-life balance accounting for 17.3% of the total variance observed in employee performance. Specifically: Work life contributed statistically significant to employee performance (β = 0.417, t = 6.353; P < 0.01), implying that work life enhances employee performance. Personal life did not significantly influence employee performance (β = 0.051, t = 0.784; P > 0.05), suggesting that personal life is not a determinant of employee performance in this context. Work-life balance dimensions significantly influenced employee performance dimensions, with both work life and personal life determining employee performance. The study's findings revealed that work-life balance significantly influences employee performance among academic staff of selected tertiary institutions in Benue State, Nigeria. The study's results have implications for institutional policies and practices that promote work-life balance and support employee well-being. The study recommends that Tertiary institutions in Benue State, Nigeria should prioritize work-life balance by implementing policies and practices that support academic staff's well-being, Institutional leaders should model balanced behaviors and actively promote work-life balance policies. Academic staff should be encouraged to prioritize their personal lives and engage in activities that promote their well-being and productivity. Further research should be conducted to explore the impact of work-life balance on employee performance in other contexts and industries.

Keywords: Influence, Work Life Balance, Employee Performance, Academic, and Staff.