Work-Life Balance Among Mothers In The Banking Sector In Accra

Abstract

Mothers working in the corporate world tend to perform multiple roles because of work and family demands on their energy, time and resources. In Ghana, the banking sector is one of the sectors of the Ghanaian economy where the presence of women in terms of employment opportunities is visible. Many female employees start their career development as single ladies, become wives and subsequently mothers. However, little is documented about women's experiences straddling the path as mothers in banking, particularly in Accra, Ghana. This study, therefore, set out to explore the lived experiences of mothers in banking concerning the challenges they face balancing work and family roles, the strategies they adopt to cope and to document strategies and initiatives that exist in banks in support of mothers in banking in an attempt to straddle work and family roles. The study employed a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach as the means of enquiry. Data were collected from participants through in-depth interviews. The study found mothers in banking combining work and family roles extremely stressful, particularly leaving home very early in the morning, spending long hours at work and observing unpredicted late closing hours. In addition, the study found mothers in banking profusely expressing, having no quality time with their children and family. In addition, the unreliability of the social support system, particularly the house helps are mothers in banking worse nightmare. Mothers in banking adopt coping strategies, including utilising family members as a support system, developing a skill for planning their lives and work, self-encouragement and learning to concentrate on each role at a time. Hours break for nursing mothers is a common initiative adopted by banks in support of mothers in banking. The study recommends that government develops a policy on childcare at the workplace. The study further recommends that banks introduce crèches or day care centres to support working mothers in banking.