The Impact of Technology on Work Life Balances with Reference to Female Workers, Especially Team Leaders from Selected Garments in Ampara District

Abstract

In today's digital age, technology plays an essential role in work practices and employee well-being, especially in dynamic and stressful industries such as the apparel sector. This research examines the impact of new technologies—the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, 3D printing, automation facilities, and big data analytics—on work-life balance (WLB) of female team leaders from selected garment factories in Ampara District, Sri Lanka. Sample size 86 was selected from the population through random sampling. The data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS using reliability tests, descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results showed that IoT, cloud computing, automation facilities, and big data analytics positively and significantly affected work-life balance, whereas 3D printing was the only technology not positively and significantly related in this case. Regression analysis showed that new technologies explained 61.9% of the variance accounted for WLB with IoT being the strongest predictor. In summary, these results highlight the importance of increased use of advanced technologies in the apparel sector which can enhance flexibility, provide support to stress, and enhance well-being. 3D printing cannot negatively affect WLB, however, as the use of 3D printing is not sufficiently utilized in operations. The study is an important contribution to the knowledge gaps regarding technology's contribution to maintaining a work life balance, specifically female workers in Sri Lanka's apparel industry. The study recommends that organizations focus on IoT, cloud computing, automation, big data analytics, and in the future: 3D printing as means of enhancing retention and satisfaction.