Work -Life Conflict and Coping Strategies among Staff of Higher Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of work–life conflict (WLC) experienced by staff of selected higher institutions of learning in Imo State, Nigeria, and to identify the coping strategies adopted to reduce WLC. Data were collected from 343 participants (teaching and non-teaching staff) working in two specific institutions in Imo State, Nigeria, using a standardized questionnaire. Prior to data collection, ethical approval was obtained. Data were analyzed descriptively and correlation analyses were deployed to test the hypothesis. The study found that domestic chores and caregiver stress were the primary causes of WLC in more females than males. Age, length of service, and educational attainment were found to predict WLC. Family-based, individual-based, and organizational coping strategies were employed by the participant to reduce WLC. The study promotes the adoption of flexible work schedules as a workable solution to lessen tensions between work and family, especially for married employees. Female respondents identified planning, relaxation, extracurricular activities, domestic help, and religious involvement as personal coping mechanisms. It was demonstrated that organizational work-life balance (WLB) measures, such as maternity leave and counseling services, contributed to a decline in WLC. The study recommends that partners split domestic and family responsibilities to further reduce WLC. This research is the first to analyze work–life conflict and coping techniques among staff of higher institutions in Imo State, Nigeria.