Work-life balance, work attitude and employees’ performance at Kenya Power and Lighting Company, Noreb Region – Kenya

Abstract

High performing organizations have remained focused on their employees through enhanced levels of work-life balance practices. The objective of this study was to investigate the moderating effect of work attitude on the association between work life balance and employee performance at Kenya Power and Lighting Company - NOREB region. The study’s objectives were; to determine the effects of stress management, time management and self-management and as well to determine the moderating effect of work attitude on the relationship between stress management, time management and self-management and employees’ performance at KPLC. This study was anchored on expectancy theory and complemented by border theory and job characteristic model. The study employed the explanatory research design. The study targeted a population of 2800 employees involving all KPLC staff in NOREB Region working in various capacities. A sample size of 350 respondents was chosen based on Yamane’s formula. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to pick the sample from the population. Data was collected by use of a structured questionnaire. In data analysis, descriptive statistical approaches; frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages and inferential statistics; correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were used. The findings of the study revealed that stress management, time management and self-management all had a significant and positive effect on employees’ performance (β1 = .471, p < 0.05, β2 = .743, p < 0.05 and β3 = .200, p < 0.05). Further, the results showed that there was significant and positive influence of work attitude on employees’ performance (β4 =.129, p < 0.05). Moreover, the results indicated that work attitude positively and significantly moderated the relationships between stress management, time management and self management and employees’ performance respectively (β5=.079, p < 0.05), (β6=.155, p < 0.05) and (β7=.195, p < 0.05). The study concludes that stress management, time management and self-management all corroborated with employee performance. Additionally, work attitude moderated the relationship between stress management, time management and self-management and employees’ performance. The study concludes that work-life balance has a significant role in enhancing employee performance, resulting in increased work output and productivity for staff that enhances their management practices of WLB as established from this study. The study also concludes that work attitude moderates the relationship between work-life balance and employees’ performance. The study recommends that the management of the companies should ensure their employees are sensitized on how to make good use of mind-body techniques such as yoga and massage to help them in minimizing the stress levels. They should also avail efficient self-management strategies such as increasing goal alignment to increase employees’ greater performance and enhance autonomy, time management and professional abilities.