WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE DUE TO LONG WORKING HOURS AMONG EMPLOYEES (A CASE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN PAKISTAN)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of long working hours and job demands/workload on the personal life of employees in the commercial banking sector of Pakistan. The study focuses on three key dimensions of personal life, namely family life, social life, and employees’ health. Due to increasing competition in the banking industry, extended working hours and high job demands have become common, raising concerns about employees’ work–life balance and overall well-being.

A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 186 employees working in different commercial banks across Pakistan using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using reliability analysis, factor analysis, correlation, and regression techniques to examine the relationships among variables.

The results reveal that both long working hours and job demands/workload significantly affect employees’ personal life. Specifically, both variables have a strong negative impact on family life and employees’ health. Long working hours also negatively affect social life, while the impact of workload on social life shows a mixed pattern. Overall, workload emerged as a stronger predictor of family life, whereas long working hours had a greater impact on employees’ health.

The study concludes that excessive working hours and high job demands significantly disrupt work–life balance in the banking sector of Pakistan. The findings highlight the need for banks and regulatory authorities to implement effective workload management and working hour policies to improve employee well-being and organizational sustainability.